Meet the enemy: Washington’s commanders

Matt Ryan

For the first time since 2008, the Washington Chiefs are 4-1, setting up a showdown in Baltimore on Sunday. The game has generated a lot of buzz with standout rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels going up against two-time MVP Lamar Jackson.

Here’s what you need to know about commanders:

Historic start for Jayden Daniels

Through five weeks, Daniels is the runaway favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year and has even earned MVP honors as the Commanders have won four straight and lead the NFC East.

Since Kirk Cousins ​​left in 2018, Washington has had a revolving door at quarterback, starting 13 different signal callers, but it looks like Daniels could be the guy. The No. 2 overall pick is off to a historic start, becoming the first player to pass for more than 1,000 yards and rush for more than 250 yards in his first five games.

Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy at LSU last year, has been compared to Jackson as a dual-threat quarterback, but neither player is interested.

“I don’t like it when people try to compare me to Lamar and vice versa. We’re two different players,” Daniels said. “At the end of the day, I want to be known as Jayden Daniels and not the next so-and-so.”

Jackson has rejected any comparisons during his career and certainly supports Daniels’ thinking.

“He’s his own player, (and) he’s his own man, at the end of the day,” Jackson said. “We’re just trying to make a name for ourselves, not for anybody else, so I’m okay with that, definitely.”

New Age in DC

It’s a new time in Washington, as the franchise has undergone a major makeover over the past 18 months.

Last season was the first year under new owner Josh Harris, who bought the team from Daniel Snyder, and this is the first season under Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn. This offseason, Washington added a host of veterans, including future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner and former Pro Bowlers in tight end Zach Ertz and running back Austin Ekeler.

It’s definitely a new Washington team from the latest “Battle of the Beltways” in 2020.

Strong offense, solid defense

The Ravens’ offense is No. 2 in the NFL in scoring, trailing only the Commanders, who are averaging 31 points per game. Washington’s offense has been very efficient this season, and even went two straight weeks without a punt.

Daniels is a big reason why Washington’s offense has been so potent, but so is first-year offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who has helped Washington provide a healthy balance between the run and the pass. After Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt called Washington’s scheme a “nice college offense,” Daniels and the Chiefs pounded them with multiple big plays and a strong passing attack.

A key matchup this week will be Baltimore’s No. 1 rushing defense against Washington’s No. 2 run attack led by Daniels and running back Brian Robinson Jr. The Ravens also have to consider Daniels’ arm, especially with his strong deep ball connection with wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

On the other side of the ball, Washington’s defense started the season slowly but has rebounded in recent weeks and now ranks 20th, giving up 23 points per game. The Commanders’ run defense is a weak point, giving up 130 yards per game, so it could be a spot to attack Baltimore’s No. 1 running game.

Players to watch

WR Terry McLaurin

For the first time in his career, McLaurin has a reliable quarterback throwing him the ball. He has 23 catches for 303 yards this season and had the Commanders’ biggest play of the year, catching a 27-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to seal the win at Cincinnati.

DT Jonathan Allen

Allen is a tight end for Washington and made back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2021 and 2022. He has two sacks this season but has 12 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. He will play a big role as the Commanders try to slow down Baltimore’s elite running game.

RB Brian Robinson Jr.

In his third season, Robinson is off to a great start with 325 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Robinson is averaging 4.5 yards per carry, but is also a factor in the passing game with 11 targets this season.

Matt Ryan