Hogs Haven
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“[W]e lost three in a row last year,” safety Quan Martin added. “We’re not worried.”
But … should they be? The answer might be in the eye of the beholder. Through four games, these Commanders have shown a bit of everything — giving their most optimistic fans plenty of evidence to expect a midseason surge once quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin return from injuries while also leaving plenty of ammunition for their critics.
In games at home against the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders, Washington put up at least 400 yards of offense — including more than 200 yards on the ground — and manhandled opposing offensive lines. They pummeled New York, 21-6, with a mostly healthy roster, then cruised against Las Vegas, 41-24, without Daniels and a host of other key pieces.
Road losses to Green Bay and Atlanta, though, were wildly different — with slow starts, less effective line play and sloppy tackling on defense, particularly Sunday in Atlanta.
Injuries, of course, have been a factor. The defense already has lost four key contributors to injured reserve, including starting defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr., who suffered a season-ending quadriceps injury at Green Bay, as well as one of the men tasked with replacing him, Javontae Jean-Baptiste. Coach Dan Quinn said Monday that Jean-Baptiste needs surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle suffered in the Falcons game. While Quinn didn’t rule out the possibility that the second-year player could return this season, he said the recovery from such an injury is “usually something that’s months, not weeks.”
On offense, the absences of Daniels (sprained left knee), McLaurin (quad), wide receiver Noah Brown (groin/knee) and tight end John Bates (calf/groin) have made it difficult to get a read on how strong the unit is — or can be. Running back Austin Ekeler, who tore his Achilles against Green Bay, is out for the season.
You could argue Sunday’s performance exposed a lack of offensive depth. Former practice squad wide receivers Chris Moore (40 snaps) and Tay Martin (nine snaps), for example, got substantial playing time and were targeted a combined four times. Or you could argue that it was actually a promising showing to score 27 points with so many key pieces out.
The tape from this loss might be ugly. But what does the result say about the rest of the season? Well, that’s still a question of perception. Daniels, the reigning offensive rookie of the year, has been ramping up in practice and could return as early as next weekend at the Los Angeles Chargers. The proverbial seesaw could flip back.
Commanders.com
Special teams is still performing well.
No unit was perfect for the Commanders, but their special teams group had another solid showing against the Falcons.
Most of the success came on the kickoff return unit,...
