Tag: 2024 nfl season

Good, bad and ugly from Commanders’ at bye week

The good, bad and the ugly from Washington’s first 13 games.

The Washington Commanders were the NFL’s biggest surprise through the first half of the season. At 7-2, Washington led the NFC East before a Week 10 meeting against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Commanders had many chances to win the game but made too many mistakes, losing 28-27. The loss started a three-game losing streak that allowed the Philadelphia Eagles to take over first place in the division.

Washington snapped the three-game skid on Sunday with a dominant 42-19 win over the Tennessee Titans. As the Commanders head into their bye week, they are 8-5, with four games remaining.

What’s gone right for Washington through 13 games? What’s gone wrong? Remember, the Commanders won four games last season, so there isn’t much bad to say. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have the team ahead of schedule.

It’s time to review the good, bad, and the ugly from Washington’s first 13 games.

The good

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Jayden Daniels: The No. 1 takeaway from the 2024 season is the Commanders have their quarterback. There’s nothing more important than finding that guy. Washington has searched for a quarterback for years, even before Kirk Cousins’ three record-breaking seasons from 2015-17. Daniels was in the MVP conversation through the first half of the season. His worst performances came in back-to-back games against Philadelphia and Dallas, but Daniels still hasn’t looked like a rookie this season.

The leading contender for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, Daniels is getting the job done with his arms and legs. He’s completing 70% of his passes and has 21 combined 21 touchdowns. The great quarterbacks make those around them better. Daniels is doing that as a rookie.

The offense as a whole: Kliff Kingsbury has pushed all the right buttons for much of the season. Washington has consistently ranked in the top five for total offense, scoring offense, and rushing offense. The offensive line was expected to be a weakness, but it has been a pleasant surprise. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is having a terrific season and has already set a new career-high for touchdown receptions. Washington’s rushing attack has thrived with a combination of Daniels, Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Several individual defensive players: Washington’s defense has improved throughout the season. The Commanders still need help, but many of the new additions have proven beneficial. Linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr., safety Jeremy Chinn, and rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil have all been excellent this season. After the bye, the Commanders should see cornerback Marshon Lattimore for the first time.

The bad

Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs by Michael Davis #24. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Run defense: The Commanders have overachieved through the first 13 games. Their pass defense is surprisingly good, considering Washington’s issues at cornerback. Part of the reason for the success against the pass is because everyone can run on the Commanders. Washington has the No. 27 run defense in the NFL, allowing 137 yards per game. Those numbers certainly do not dramatically improve in-season. If the Commanders make the playoffs as they are currently projected to do, good teams will expose their inability to stop the run.

Austin Ekeler’s concussions: In the Week 4 win at Cincinnati, Ekeler suffered a concussion. He missed the following week but returned. Unfortunately, in the Week 12 loss to Dallas, He suffered his second concussion of the season and was placed on injured reserve. Ekeler must sit out four games, making him eligible to return in Week 18. It was a scary injury for Ekeler, who offered details on his condition this week. He could miss the remainder of the season. 

The ugly

Washington Commanders place kicker Austin Seibert (3) reacts after missing a potential game-tying extra point. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Loss to Dallas: The Commanders were double-digit favorites over the Cowboys in Week 12 and got behind early before finally deciding to come alive with five minutes remaining. Then, the next few minutes of that game were the wildest of the season. After Daniels led a touchdown drive, the Commanders missed a tackle on the kickoff, allowing Kavontae Turpin to return it 98 yards for a touchdown. Washington had one last shot with 30 seconds remaining but 86 yards to go. Unbelievably, Daniels finds McLaurin for an 86-yard touchdown, and kicker Austin Seibert misses the extra point. It was a disastrous loss for Washington. The Commanders made mistake after mistake and, combined with bad luck, blew a very winnable game.

What’s one goal for the Commanders for the remainder of the regular season?

The top remaining goal for the Commanders — outside of making the playoffs.

It’s been a season to remember for the Washington Commanders. After they finished 4-13 one year ago, Washington cleaned house and, through 13 games, has already doubled its win total (8-5) from last season.

The Commanders are on a bye this week, but when they return in Week 15, they will look to remain in the NFC playoff hunt. Washington is currently in the No. 7 spot, 1.5 games ahead of other teams.

After a three-game losing streak, the Commanders rebounded on Sunday, crushing the Tennessee Titans 42-19. Washington’s offense put up almost 500 yards, led by the running game, which produced a season-high 267 yards.

The remaining goal for the Commanders over the final five weeks of the regular season is to make the playoffs. However, outside of that obvious goal, what should be Washington’s focus for the remainder of this season?

Pro Football Focus named one goal for all 32 NFL teams for the rest of this season. PFF’s goal for the Commanders: Improve defensively.

The Commanders secured a much-needed victory over the Titans in Week 13, staving off other playoff hopefuls to reach 8-5 and move to a 78% postseason probability. If Washington wants to go deeper than anticipated in Dan Quinn’s first year as head coach, it will need its defense to play at a higher level. The Commanders sit only 23rd in defensive EPA per play and 24th in yards per play allowed, although those figures have improved since Week 7 — ranking 17th and 13th, respectively.

Still, that’s not dominant enough to neutralize NFC powerhouses like Detroit, Philadelphia or even Minnesota. The debut of trade deadline acquisition Marshon Lattimore could help, but this unit still needs to play better collectively if likely Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels wants to cap off his rookie season in style.

Yes, Washington must improve defensively. Some things are holding the defense back. The inability to stop the run consistently, allowing big plays, inconsistent pass rush, and the lack of turnovers. Washington’s overall pass defense ranking is high because teams have ran so well against the Commanders.

The truth is that Washington has improved defensively. This unit looks much different than it did in the season’s early weeks. That’s coaching. The Commanders are still limited personnel-wise, but that should change with the impending debut of Lattimore. Lattimore and rookie Mike Sainristil give the Commanders a legit cornerback duo for the stretch run to the playoffs.

All 32 NFL quarterbacks (including Jayden Daniels) ranked by Total QBR

The latest QB rankings heading into Week 14, using the Total QBR metric.

The Washington Commanders had lost three straight games heading into the Week 13 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Part of Washington’s recent struggles were due to the previously red-hot offense’s struggles. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels finally looked like, well, a rookie.

On Sunday, the Commanders smashed the Titans 42-19, ending the losing streak and piling up close to 500 yards of total offense against a Tennessee defense ranked No. 2 at the time. Washington’s running game was even more impressive, gaining a season-high 267 yards and scoring three touchdowns.

Daniels completed 25 of 30 passes for 206 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for a touchdown.

How does Daniels measure up to other NFL quarterbacks after 13 weeks? We look at ESPN’s Total QBR metric, which differs from the traditional QB rating. Here’s how ESPN defines QBR:

ESPN’s Total Quarterback Rating (Total QBR), which was released in 2011, has never claimed to be perfect, but unlike other measures of quarterback performance, it incorporates all of a quarterback’s contributions to winning, including how he impacts the game on passes, rushes, turnovers and penalties. Also, since QBR is built from the play level, it accounts for a team’s level of success or failure on every play to provide the proper context and then allocates credit to the quarterback and his teammate to produce a clearer measure of quarterback efficiency.

NFL QBs ranked by Total QBR after Week 13

  1. Kyler Murray: 75.1
  2. Josh Allen: 74.5
  3. Joe Burrow: 73.9
  4. Lamar Jackson: 73.4
  5. Jayden Daniels: 71.8
  6. Derek Carr: 65.0
  7. Brock Purdy: 64.7
  8. Jalen Hurts: 64.6
  9. Patrick Mahomes: 64.4
  10. Matthew Stafford: 60.8
  11. Jordan Love: 60.4
  12. Tua Tagovailoa: 60.2
  13. Trevor Lawrence: 60.1
  14. Drake Maye: 58.0
  15. Jared Goff: 57.7
  16. Sam Darnold: 56.0
  17. Bo Nix: 55.5
  18. Geno Smith: 55.0
  19. Justin Herbert: 55.0
  20. Kirk Cousins: 54.6
  21. C.J. Stroud: 53.6
  22. Baker Mayfield: 52.9
  23. Justin Fields: 51.9
  24. Anthony Richardson: 49.5
  25. Aaron Rodgers: 48.2
  26. Caleb Williams: 47.1
  27. Daniel Jones: 47.1
  28. Dak Prescott: 46.4
  29. Bryce Young: 39.1
  30. Gardner Minshew: 38.0
  31. Will Levis: 32.9
  32. Deshaun Watson: 22.6

Mike Tomlin is far from thrilled for Hard Knocks: AFC North debut

Mike Tomlin reaffirms his disdain for Hard Knocks through his refusal to watch the Steelers and AFC North debut on the series.

It’s safe to say fans know one man from the Pittsburgh Steelers organization who will not be watching HBO’s Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North premiere. Head coach Mike Tomlin has long made his disdain for the reality sports documentary well known. While the 2024 season has been highly successful for the Black and Gold, it also marks the Steelers’ debut on Hard Knocks. In a series first, the show will follow not just one team but the entire AFC North division.

During the team’s press conference on Tuesday, Tomlin was humorously asked if he would be watching the debut of the AFC North’s Hard Knocks series. The head coach kept his answer short and sweet: “Absolutely not.”

Tomlin has frequently expressed his dislike for allowing reporters or cameras access to the inner workings of his coaching methods. It is likely this transparency, integral to Hard Knocks, that he finds so unappealing.  However, Tomlin still appreciates the challenge that having these cameras brings to the Pittsburgh Steelers organization.

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Jayden Daniels leads Pro Bowl voting among NFC QBs: Where’s Terry McLaurin?

Jayden Daniels leads NFC QBs in Pro Bowl voting. Where are some other Commanders ranked?

Despite a recent three-game losing streak, it’s been a dream season for the Washington Commanders. After going 4-13 last season, the Commanders have eight wins on the season — with four games remaining — and are firmly in the NFC playoff picture.

Outside of general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, sensational rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels leads the way. The No. 2 overall pick from the 2024 NFL draft has completed almost 70% of his passes for 2,819 yards, with 15 touchdowns, six interceptions, 590 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.

Daniels has set numerous NFL rookie records this season, even a couple of NFL records, and has won the Rookie of the Week award several times. So, it’s no surprise that Daniels is ranked as the No. 1 quarterback in the NFC in fan voting for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games. Daniels is ranked fourth among NFL quarterbacks.

Who are some of the other Commanders ranked in the fan voting for their various positions?

  • WR Terry McLaurin: 4th among NFL WRs
  • C Tyler Biadasz: 9th among NFL centers
  • LB Bobby Wagner: 4th among NFL ILBs
  • LB Dante Fowler Jr: 5th among NFL OLBs
  • LB Frankie Luvu: 9th among NFL OLBs
  • S Jeremy Chinn: 8th among NFL safeties
  • S Jeremy Reaves: 9th among special teams players

To vote for the Pro Bowl, you can go here: https://www.commanders.com/pro-bowl-games/vote/

Or here: https://www.nfl.com/pro-bowl-games/vote/

You can also vote on social media:

  • Social voting — During the final two weeks of voting (Dec. 9 – Dec. 23), fans can vote directly on “X” (formerly Twitter) by tweeting the first and last name of the player, tagging the player’s official Twitter handle or creating a hashtag including the player’s first and last name. All three of these methods must include the hashtag: #ProBowlVote. During the final two days (Dec. 22 – Dec. 23), social votes will count as double.

From the NFL:

Player selections will be determined by the consensus votes of fans, players and coaches, with each group’s vote counting as one-third toward determining the all-star players who will be selected to this year’s Pro Bowl Games. The NFL is the only sports league that combines voting by fans, coaches and players to determine its Pro Bowl teams. NFL players and coaches will cast their votes on Friday, Dec. 27.

The 2025 Pro Bowl Games will be held in Orlando, Fla on Feb. 2, 2025.

Two unbelievable Commanders’ streaks ended Sunday

These are depressing numbers that the Commanders ended on Sunday.

The Washington Commanders improved to 8-5 on the season after Sunday’s 42-19 win over the Tennessee Titans. Washington’s eight wins through 13 weeks is the most since the 1996 season.

However, Sunday’s win also ended two other streaks for the Commanders.

According to the Commanders’ PR team, Sunday’s win over Tennessee was Washington’s first December victory since defeating the Las Vegas Raiders in December 2021. If that stat isn’t depressing enough, Sunday’s victory was the team’s first December win at home since 2017.

Jonathan Allen and Tress Way are the only players on Washington’s current roster who were with the franchise in 2017. Allen was a rookie in 2017.

The current team has been busy ending streaks this season. Under new head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters, the Commanders have changed almost everything. The early returns are good, as Washington sits in a prime position to earn one of the NFC’s three Wild Card berths.

Jay Gruden was in his fourth season as head coach in 2017, while Ron Rivera was in his second season in 2021. There have been a lot of football games played at Northwest Stadium since the home team last won a December game there.

Good teams usually play their best football in November and December. It’s not surprising that Commanders haven’t been good for years. They’re never competitive in December, and there for a few years, always seemingly welcoming a new regime destined to repeat the same futility.

Times have changed.

‘Lead sled dogs’ led the way for Commanders in Week 13 win

Dan Quinn describes which Commanders led the way in ending the team’s losing streak.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn always has a unique way of describing things. And he always ties it together to make sense to Quinn’s audience.

It’s been a tough few weeks for the Commanders. Washington hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10 with a 7-2 record. A one-point loss was heartbreaking but not devastating, as Washington’s mistakes contributed more to the loss than Pittsburgh’s dominance.

Four days later, the Commanders were on the road, facing the Philadelphia Eagles in a battle for first place in the NFC East. Washington led throughout the game until around 12 minutes remained, when it ran out of gas against a terrific Eagles rushing attack and defense. Again, it was a tough loss but not a discouraging one.

Then, there was last week’s debacle against the Dallas Cowboys. That was more difficult. Still, the Commanders remained undeterred, focusing on their Week 13 encounter with the Tennessee Titans.

After Sunday’s 42-19 win over the Titans, the Commanders improved to 8-5 and head into the bye week on a positive note. Quinn reflected on a difficult, praising veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner for speaking to the team and keeping them focused.

Quinn was especially proud of Wagner and Washington’s other veteran leaders for rising to the occasion when the Commanders needed it the most.

“I love today that the lead sled dogs led the way, and that’s the [Zach] Ertz’s and [Terry] McLaurin’s and Wagner’s and [Daron] Payne’s and others, they led the way,” Quinn said.

“And that’s what you want when you’re going through the challenging times that the lead sled dogs, they’re out in front and Wagner and Ertz and others were a classic example of that. And it was just that type of performance to see those guys lead the way.”

We told you Quinn had a unique way of describing things, but it would make sense.

The Commanders have a much-needed bye next week before returning to play in two weeks at New Orleans, where Marshon Lattimore will face his former team.

Commanders vs. Titans: Best photos from Week 13

Here are all of the best images from Sunday’s game between the Commanders and Titans.

The Washington Commanders improved to 8-5 with Sunday’s 42-19 win over the Tennessee Titans. The win snapped a three-game losing streak. Quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 25 of 30 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns in the win and rushed for a touchdown.

Daniels led a ground attack that ran for a season-high 267 yards, paced by Brian Robinson’s 103 yards. Chris Rodriguez came off the bench to deliver a career-high 94 yards. Both Robinson and Rodriguez also scored touchdowns.

Wide receiver Terry McLaurin also established a new career-high with nine touchdowns after catching two on Sunday.

Here are all of the best images from Sunday’s Week 13 win over the Titans.

Quick facts from the Commanders’ Week 13 win over the Titans

We look at some quick and numbers from the Commanders’ Week 13 win.

The Commanders scored 21 first-quarter points and were on their way to their 42-19 victory over the Tennessee Titans at Northwest Stadium.

Here are some of the quick facts from the 8th win of the Commanders’ season:

  • The Commanders possessed the ball today 40:13, more than double that of the Titans, who had it only 19:47.
  • The 42 points scored by the Commanders was the fifth time this season they scored 30+ points. The last time that occurred was the 9-7, 2015 season, quarterbacked by Kirk Cousins.
  • Washington ran the ball 45 times, while the Titans ran it 11 times. No typo; the Commanders outrushed the Titans 267-35.
  • Speaking of rushing, Brian Robinson finished with 103 yards on 16 carries. Not far behind, Chris Rodriguez ran 13 times for 94 yards.
  • This is the third time the Commanders scored 40+ points this season; the last time that occurred was the 1991 season (four times) on their way to a 14-2 season and Super Bowl XXVI win.
  • Jayden Daniels completed 25 of 30 passing attempts (83 percent) for 206 yards (6.9 yards per attempt).
  • The Commanders accomplished 29 first downs today, holding the Titans to a mere 12, had the advantage in total plays 77-50, and out-gained the Titans 463-245.
  • With his eighth sack of the season today, Frankie Luvu now has his new career high.
  • The Commanders’ eighth win of this 2024 season doubles the four wins of the 2023 team. The eighth win of the season also ties the best season Ron Rivera had (2022, 8-8-1) in all four of his seasons.
  • In the final quarter, Jayden Daniels passed to Zach Ertz for a 4-yard TD. It was the 50th career touchdown reception.
  • When the Commanders expanded the lead to 28-0, the Titans had run a total of 13 offensive plays at that point. At this point, the Titans had four offensive possessions ending with two punts and two fumbles in their own territory. On the other side, the Commanders’ first four possessions ended in four touchdowns.
  • Today, Bobby Wagner reached 100+ tackles for the 13th straight season. The only other player to accomplish this feat was London Fletcher, who reached 100+ tackles in 14 consecutive seasons.

Texans schedule: Is Houston playing today?

Here’s what you need to know heading into Sunday’s matchup between the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Will the Houston Texans be on the field today for Week 13’s slate in the AFC?

Following a rough 32-27 loss on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, Houston is back in action as it travels east to face off against the Jacksonville Jagaurs in a battle for AFC South bragging rights. The Texans secured Round 1 of the series in Week 4 thanks to a 1-yard touchdown reception from C.J. Stroud to Dare Ogunbowale en route to a 24-20 victory at NRG Stadium.

The Texans must handle business against at EverBank Stadium if they plan on finishing 4-1 entering next week’s bye.

Jacksonville is getting healthy at the most essential position. Trevor Lawrence is expected to play after missing the past two games with a shoulder injury. Even if he’s at a limited capacity, having the passer that led the Jaguars to the playoffs two seasons ago is better than nothing.

Watch Texans vs. Jaguars live on Fubo (free trial)

Here’s how to watch the Texans vs. Jaguars game today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

What channel is Texans vs. Jaguars on today?

TV Channel: FOX

Livestream: Fubo (free trial), Paramount+

The Texans vs. Jaguars will be broadcast on FOX in Week 13 of the 2024 NFL season. Kevin Kugler and Daryl Johnston will call the game from the booth at EverBank Stadium, with Laura Okmin reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers, and Paramount+.