The Washington Commanders have taken the NFL by storm with an impressive 3-1 start to the season, showcasing a combination of offensive mastery and stout defensive performance. Boasting the highest success rate in the league at 54.6%, Washington is not only winning but doing so in dominant fashion. This success rate is the second-best on record since 2000, underscoring the team's exceptional form this year.
Offensive Powerhouse
One of the key drivers behind Washington's resurgence has been their offensive efficiency. The team produces an astounding 0.27 expected points added (EPA) per play, a figure double that of the Buffalo Bills. Remarkably, this EPA per play even surpasses the 2004 Colts, known for their high-powered offense, which had a lower EPA per play rate. Additionally, the Commanders have scored at least 38 points in back-to-back games for the first time since 1991.
Washington's strength is particularly evident in their rushing attack. Leading the league in expected points added on rushing plays, the Commanders have also registered ten rushing touchdowns, the highest in the NFL. They rank third in the number of runs resulting in first downs. Highlighting this prowess, Brian Robinson Jr. averages an impressive 3.92 yards after contact per rush, placing him sixth in the league. Such effective ground game complements their fourth-best pass-blocking unit, as graded by Pro Football Focus, and a passing attack led by quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Daniels' Ascendancy
Jayden Daniels has been pivotal to the Commanders' success, boasting an 82.1% completion rate over a four-game stretch. This rate surpasses even the peak period of Peyton Manning in 2008. Daniels has navigated pressure well, being sacked on just 21% of his pressured dropbacks, a figure that compares favorably to Caleb Williams, who has been sacked 30% of the time under similar conditions.
Resilient Team Dynamics
Head coach Dan Quinn has been instrumental in fostering a relentless and consistent team culture. "You talk about it, and you make sure -- you want them to feel that emotion in the locker room after a win. We have a real process that we go through every single week to get us ready to play, and that begins today and all the way through tomorrow and into Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. We have a theme of every day. So, by staying consistent in that approach, I think that helps avoid the highs and lows. And I hope, and what I told the team earlier is just an absolute obsession with getting better and that's what we need to chase. Not what happened in the last game, but just an absolute obsession on things that we can improve on. Because, quite honestly, we think we can improve in a lot of areas," Quinn shared.
Defensive Prowess
Defensively, the Commanders have held their own. While all four of their opponents have defensive success rates ranking 20th or worse, their own defensive unit has stepped up when needed. Cleveland's defense, for instance, ranks eighth in success rate, yet the Commanders managed to outclass them.
Clutch Performances
Perhaps the most telling statistic of Washington’s grit is that only 22.9% of their plays have resulted in zero or negative yards, the lowest rate in the NFL. Moreover, they excel in overcoming setbacks, generating 0.52 EPA per play following losses or stagnations. This figure eclipses even the impressive mark of 0.43 EPA per play by the 2004 Colts.
Key Moments
The team's tactical versatility was evident when wide receiver Terry McLaurin requested a specific play that ultimately resulted in the biggest touchdown of the season. Such instances showcase the trust and communication within the team, elements critical to their success.
As the season progresses, the Commanders have not only set the bar for performance metrics but have also demonstrated a cohesive, strategic, and resilient approach under the guidance of Quinn. With exceptional talent like Daniels leading the charge on offense and a robust defensive strategy, Washington's future looks as promising as its present. The NFL better take notice—these Commanders are for real.