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Breaking down how Jayden Daniels was so efficient as the Commanders beat the Giants again
Daniels was very efficient, completing 15 of his 22 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns while adding another 35 yards rushing. Daniels made a number of impressive throws but it was the efficiency that stood out over the flash plays.
On [this drive], the Commanders look to pick up a chunk on play-action. They align Noah Brown and Terry McLaurin outside to the left in a stacked set. Just before the snap, Brown executes an exit motion to motion outside of McLaurin. Initially, the pair appear to be running a dagger concept. This is something the Commanders run multiple times a game as it’s a concept that can beat a lot of coverages. McLaurin looks to be running the deep over route with Brown running the dig behind it. However, this play is designed to look like dagger, but it actually isn’t. McLaurin fakes the deep over and breaks off the route to sit in the middle of the field, while Brown fakes the deep dig and breaks outside on a deep out.
For his part, this isn’t a particularly difficult play for Daniels. The defense is beat by the concept, with cornerback Deonte Banks surprised by Brown breaking outside as he was anticipating the break inside. That leaves Brown wide open, but Daniels does a nice job making the throw in rhythm. You can see he executes his play-action fake and gets into his drop. Once he hits the top of his drop, he takes a hitch step to get himself aligned properly and delivers a good ball to Brown, who makes a nice catch on the sideline to pick up 16 yards.
It wasn’t necessarily a spectacular play, but it was an efficient one that picked up a nice chunk and got the drive going. The Commanders went on to score a touchdown on that drive too, giving them a 14-7 lead. They got the ball back with just over five minutes left in the half and Daniels’ efficiency led the Commanders to a third touchdown drive, including a 31-yard pass to Noah Brown.
This play is one of the Commanders’ staple play-action concepts. McLaurin runs a deep vertical route to the left of the formation with the intent to grab the attention of any deep defenders and run them down the field. That should vacate space underneath for Noah Brown running a high cross from the opposite side of the field. The Commanders dress this up with some misdirection, using 21 personnel with two running backs, one tight end and two receivers. Running back Austin Ekeler aligns as a receiver before motioning to the backfield as part of the disguise. The Commanders also...
