After a phenomenal preseason and training camp, many Washington fans hoped quarterback Jayden Daniels would debut similarly to Robert Griffin III in 2012. While Daniels did reach the end zone twice, the results were far more different, with the Commanders falling 37-20 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1.
It was an ugly performance for Washington. From start to finish, the Bucs outplayed and outcoached the Commanders. There were bright spots, such as Daniels’ ability to use his legs to create offense for Washington. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to overcome a terrible defensive effort and almost no passing game.
It was difficult to choose a player of the game for the Commanders. Still, it came down to Daniels and running back Brian Robinson Jr. We chose Daniels because if not for his running ability, we aren’t so sure that Washington reaches double digits.
Daniels completed 17 of 24 passes for 184 yards while carrying the football 16 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns. While Washington would prefer Daniels not to run the ball 16 times, it was the team’s most effective offense. Daniels used his legs to keep the game close in the first half, picking up several first downs.
While Daniels’s debut was far from perfect, he took care of the football and used his legs to move the chains. Outside of Robinson, that was about all the offense had to offer on Sunday.
So, for that, Daniels is Washington’s Week 1 player of the game.