Hogs Haven
After a poor performance against the Packers last Thursday night, the Commanders not only need to win today, they need to look good doing it. That could be a challenge with several starters missing.
Both RB Austin Ekeler and DE Deatrich Wise were placed on season-ending IR after suffering injuries in Green Bay. CB Jonathan Jones also went to IR, though he is expected to return later in the season. The Commanders elevated veteran CB Antonio Hamilton Sr from the practice squad this week to help with the secondary depth.
Three other offensive players are out this week. Blocking TE John Bates and WR Noah Brown are both out with groin injuries, but the most recognizable name on this week’s injury report is that of starting QB Jayden Daniels, who hurt his knee midway through the game against the Packers, but still played every offensive snap of that game.
Daniels will be replaced by Marcus Mariota, which should give a lot of confidence to Washington fans based on how the backup QB played in his two extended appearances last season — wins against the Panthers and Cowboys — and the fact that he has had 9 days to get mentally and physically prepared for today’s game.
On exactly 100 offensive snaps last year, Mariota completed 77% of his passes at 10 yards per attempt, throwing 4 TDs without an interception en route to a QBR of 86.3. On 18 rushing attempts last season, he rushed for 92 yards, 6 first downs and a touchdown. He’ll be backed up by veteran Josh Johnson.
Due to coach’s decision, both of today’s offensive guards will be starting for the first time this season. LG Brandon Coleman is being benched and will be inactive today with Chris Paul starting in his stead. At RG, Nick Allegretti is being replaced by Andrew Wylie. Trent Scott will be active for the first time this season and will be the backup swing tackle.
The Raiders struggled in their game against the Chargers on Monday night, mustering only 9 points on offense as QB Geno Smith suffered through a 3-interception game. Rookie RB Ashton Jeanty has struggled to produce behind poor offensive line play and has been criticized for poor effort and execution as a pass protector. The Raiders’ 31st-ranked scoring offense will be looking to bounce back against a Commanders defense that is ranked 16th in yards allowed, but only 6th in points allowed.
The Washington offense, which ranks 14th in yards but only 23rd in points, will face a Las Vegas defense that allows only 16.5 points per game — the same as Washington’s D. Through two weeks, the Raiders defense is ranked 4th in rushing yards allowed (70.5) but 27th in passing yards allowed (256.0). While many Commanders fans have been calling for Kliff Kingsbury to run the ball this week — something the offense didn’t do in the loss to the Packers — the opponent may dictate greater reliance on Mariota’s ability to work...
