Tag: 2024 nfl season

Commanders’ Week 5 inactive list vs. Browns

Darrick Forrest is active for the first time this season.

The Washington Commanders released their inactive list ahead of the Week 5 contest with the Cleveland Browns and it contained two quarterbacks. Veteran Marcus Mariota was activated from the reserve/injured list Saturday, leaving Washington with four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster.

With Mariota healthy, he returns as the backup to Jayden Daniels, leaving four quarterbacks on the roster — for now. That likely changes next week. Also on the Week 5 inactive list is wide receiver Noah Brown, a key contributor over the last three games.

Here’s the full inactive list:

  • QB Sam Hartman
  • QB Jeff Driskel
  • WR Noah Brown
  • G Chris Paul
  • LB Dominique Hampton
  • S Tyler Owens
  • DE Clelin Ferrell

With the rookie Owens sidelined, Darrick Forrest is active for the first time this season. This is the third consecutive game that Ferrell has missed after he picked up a sack in each of the Commanders’ first two games.

Here is Cleveland’s Week 5 inactive list:

The most significant names on this list are right tackle Jack Conklin and linebacker Jordan Hicks.

Chiefs star Travis Kelce on Jayden Daniels: He’s ‘unbelievable’

Jason and Travis Kelce love everything they’ve seen from Jayden Daniels.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels continues to make new fans across the NFL.

After another outstanding performance in last week’s 42-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce and brother Jason discussed Daniels on the latest edition of the “New Heights” podcast.

“This dude is unbelievable, man,” Travis Kelce said. “He is fun to watch.”

Then Jason, the former Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro center, weighed in on Washington’s rookie.

“The stat in particular that everyone seems to be bringing up is the 82.1% completion,” Jason Kelce said.

“That’s through four games, ladies and gentlemen,” Travis said.

“It’s the No. 1 all-time through four games, “Jason said. “It might be a Lebron stat, but that is a damn good Lebron stat.”

More perspective on the record that Jason Kelce is referring to. It’s not only a rookie record but the best four-game stretch for a completion percentage (minimum of 20 attempts) in NFL history, besting four-game stretches from Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

Jason Kelce then discussed Daniels’ progression through each game, how it began with a lot of “dinking and dunking,” but now you’re seeing what Daniels can do at every level of the field.

“I don’t know if he’s gonna be the next C.J. Stroud, the next Pat Mahomes, but there’s something I like about it,” Jason Kelce said.

Then, Travis offered the best response.

“It sounds like he’s gonna be the next Jayden Daniels,” the younger Kelce said.

Everyone always looks to compare players to one another, but perhaps Daniels doesn’t need to be compared to another NFL quarterback. Maybe he’ll be the next guy you compare quarterbacks to moving forward.

 

What channel is Commanders vs. Browns on today? Time, TV streaming info to watch Week 5 game

Here is all the info you need to watch the Commanders vs. Browns in Week 5.

The Washington Commanders (3-1) host the Cleveland Browns (1-3) in Week 5 action from Northwest Stadium. The Commanders are looking for their fourth consecutive win, while the Browns look to avoid a three-game losing streak.

Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels enters Sunday’s game, completing 82.1% of his passes for 897 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 218 yards and four touchdowns.

On the other sideline, Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson’s struggles have reached the three-year mark since his trade to the Browns.

Here’s how to watch the Commanders game, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

What channel is Commanders vs. Browns game on today? Time, TV schedule

TV Channel: FOX

Start time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Commanders vs. Browns will be broadcast regionally on FOX in Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season. Jason Benetti and Greg Olsen will call the game from the booth at State Farm Stadium, with Pam Oliver reporting from the sidelines.

Where to watch Commanders vs. Browns on livestream

Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

For FUBO:

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Commanders vs. Browns predictions, picks, odds

Commanders 27, Browns 17: In previewing this game ahead of the season, you’d probably look at things much differently. The Browns were coming off a playoff berth and the Commanders selected second overall in the 2024 NFL draft. However, Washington is a completely different team in 2024. From GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn to the players, it’s a new day for the Commanders. Washington will control this game from start to finish, but will have its hands full trying to block Myles Garrett. Expect another strong performance from Daniels and a Commanders’ win.

ODDS: Commanders by 3 points

O/U: 43.5

All NFL Odds via BetMGM.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

Commanders schedule 2024

  • Sept. 8: at Tampa Bay (L, 37-20)
  • Sept. 15: New York Giants (W, 21-18)
  • Sept. 23: at Cincinnati (W, 38-33)
  • Sept. 29: at Arizona (W, 42-14)
  • Oct. 6:  Cleveland
  • Record: 3-1

Browns schedule 2024

  • Sept. 8: Dallas (L, 33-17)
  • Sept. 15: at Jacksonville (W, 18-13)
  • Sept. 22: New York Giants (L, 21-15)
  • Sept. 29: at Las Vegas (L, 20-16)
  • Oct. 6: at Washington
  • Record: 1-3

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Jayden Daniels lands inside the top 10 quarterback rankings

Jayden Daniels is ranked as a top-10 NFL quarterback right now.

Jayden Daniels didn’t take long to introduce himself to the NFL. The Washington Commanders rookie quarterback is off to a sizzling start in his NFL career, completing 82% of his passes with seven touchdowns through four games. In addition, Daniels has the Commanders — who held the No. 2 pick in April’s NFL draft — at 3-1 and in first place in the NFC East.

Of course, Daniels has had help. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has done a phenomenal job of bringing Daniels along. While the skill positions have been excellent, the offensive line is much improved from a season ago.

But this is a quarterback league. When things go well, the quarterback gets all the credit. When things don’t go well, they get all the blame. However, there is no mistaking Daniels’ impact on the Commanders. Some are already calling him the best quarterback in an NFC East division with three high-paid veterans.

NFL.com revealed its QB Index for Week 5, and Daniels cracked the top 10 at No. 8.

A rookie doesn’t just luck into the best completion percentage (82.1) by any NFL player in a four-game span since at least 1950. Daniels is the real deal, operating an offense that gives him easy, quick reads, affords him the freedom to improvise when necessary and supports him with a better-than-expected offensive line and a running game that seems to be getting stronger with each week. Daniels was once again in complete command of the offense in Arizona, rifling passes through the defense, picking up positive gains with his legs and dominating with his exciting blend of arm talent, composure and athletic ability. He’s made the Commanders a fun watch, and he’s only just getting started.

Daniels deserves any and all recognition he’s currently receiving. The No. 2 overall pick is on pace to have an even better season than last year’s second overall pick, C.J. Stroud, which seemed improbable ahead of the season.

Can you imagine if Daniels leads the Commanders to an NFC East title as a rookie?

Commanders’ Jayden Daniels maintains the right attitude after early success

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels not interested in talking about himself.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is a star, whether he wants to admit it or not. Daniels cemented his stardom after his legendary final season at LSU, winning the Heisman Trophy and becoming the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

Daniels’ success has translated to the NFL, where he has already won numerous awards and broke records just four games into his professional career. You’d think that would go to his head, but Daniels is wired differently.

“Eventful and still room to grow, yeah,” Daniels said Wednesday when asked how he would describe his first four NFL games. 

Daniels has completed 82% of his passes and won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month award, and he’s still talking about growth. He’s not talking about what he’s done — he only wants to keep improving.

What’s the next step in his growth process?

“Keep improving,” Daniels said. “Finding little ways to keep growing. I wouldn’t say it’s a finished product, but it’s just a start and, I mean, I don’t really look at everything that people talk about. I mean, I see it, but other than that, man, none of that matters. That was last week’s stuff. You are only as good as the last game you played, and everybody is going to look at what you can do the week prior and the weeks after that.”

Daniels sounds like a 10-year veteran. While his play has endeared him to teammates, coaches and fans, it’s his attitude and selflessness that make Daniels so well respected this early in his career.

This summer, Daniels declined any notion that he was a star, saying he was a rookie trying to learn to be an NFL quarterback.

Even after a successful first month, where his jersey is the NFL’s most popular, Daniels isn’t backing down from those words.

“Man, y’all can say whatever y’all want,” Daniels said about being called a star rookie. “I’m still a rookie in my eyes, so I let everybody else do the talking for me. I don’t get caught up in that stuff.”

That approach will help Daniels through highs and inevitable lows of being an NFL starting quarterback. Washington knew Daniels was different when it selected him, but he’s continued proving them correct with his play and actions.

He’s only just getting started.

Jayden Daniels is the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month

Jayden Daniels is the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month.

September 2024 will be remembered in the NFL as the month of Jayden Daniels. The Washington Commanders rookie quarterback has won numerous awards for his play over the season’s first month and added a big one on Thursday: NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month.

In addition, Daniels was named the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week last week, the third time he’s won the award in four weeks.

The No. 2 overall pick completed 87 of his 106 passing attempts for 897 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception. Daniels also rushed for 218 yards and four touchdowns.

His 82.1% completion percentage is a rookie record for a quarterback’s first four NFL games and an NFL record for a four-game stretch with a minimum of 20 attempts.

Daniels is the first Washington player to win NFL Rookie of the Month since Robert Griffin III did it twice in 2012.

Through four games, Daniels has led more scoring drives (23) than he has incomplete passes (19). The Commanders have punted only one time over the past three games.

Daniels has the Commanders at 3-1 and in sole possession of first place in the NFC East. Washington hosts the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Jayden Daniels is the NFL’s best downfield passer

Another impressive Jayden Daniels’ statistic.

Remember when critics tried to say Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels couldn’t throw across the middle? Or that Daniels did not scramble to throw?

Well, Daniels is quickly putting some of those pre-draft narratives to bed, completing 82% of his passes through his first four NFL games. That completion percentage is a record for a four-game stretch, besting legends such as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

Daniels isn’t the only one crushing narratives. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury received criticism throughout his time in Arizona, and many called him a bad hire. The criticism for Kingsbury centered around pass protection, the lack of downfield passes and not moving his receivers around.

Through four games, Kingsbury’s offense has been phenomenal. In addition to his creative play design, balance and pass protection, Kingsbury and Daniels are creating big plays.

Check out this statistic from The 33rd Team. Daniels has the NFL’s highest passer rating for throws over 10 yards.

So, for those who haven’t watched Daniels, his insane completion percentage through four games isn’t inflated by bubble screens. He and Kingsbury are attacking every level of the field.

The NFL will adjust; the league always does. The key is how Kingsbury adjusts.

Cowboys sign former Commanders defensive end

The Cowboys signed a former Commanders DE for depth after injuries to Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.

The Dallas Cowboys are 2-2 and one game behind the Washington Commanders for first place in the NFC East. The Cowboys have struggled defensively at times and were hit hard with injuries in last week’s win against the New York Giants.

The Cowboys lost both of their top pass rushers last week, as Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence are expected to miss time.

Dallas is short at defensive end/edge rusher, so it made a move Monday to add some depth. The Cowboys signed defensive end KJ Henry from the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad.

If that name sounds familiar, Henry was a fifth-round pick of the Commanders in the 2023 NFL draft. He played in 10 games for Washington last season, recording 19 tackles, including four for loss and 1.5 sacks in three starts. Washington waived Henry during final cuts in August, and he signed with the Bengals.

He appeared in two games for Cincinnati before he was waived last month and signed to the practice squad.

Henry was a popular player during his short Washington tenure. When he was drafted, his father revealed an old Jeremiah Trotter No. 54 Redskins’ jersey. His father, a former college football coach, is a longtime Washington fan.

Commanders DT Daron Payne: ‘It feels good to have a good team’

Daron Payne is thankful to finally have a “good team.”

Daron Payne has been with the Washington Commanders longer than anyone on the current roster outside of punter Tress Way and fellow defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.

A first-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft, Payne is in his seventh NFL season, and he knows this one is special. After Sunday’s 42-14 blowout win over the Arizona Cardinals, the Commanders improved to 3-1 after their third consecutive victory.

After the game, everyone was all smiles, including Payne.

“It feel good to have a good team,” Payne told reporters. “I’ve been here a long time and been through a a lot. So, it’s just good to come out on top on games like this.”

What does Payne think about having a quarterback like Jayden Daniels?

“I love just being able to sit on the sidelines, drink my Gatorade, and come back out there after they just scored. It’s nice,” Payne answered.

The Commanders are scoring a lot. Washington has punted just one time over the last three games and only turned the ball over once through four weeks. The Commanders are averaging 30.3 points per game, which is No. 3 in the NFL.

 

 

Commanders vs. Cardinals: Week 4 staff picks and predictions

Our picks are in for Week 4.

The Washington Commanders (2-1) are back on the road in Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals (1-2). After Monday night’s big win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington looks for its second consecutive win.

Last week, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 39 yards and a touchdown. That performance earned Daniels NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

If the Commanders hope to increase their winning streak to three games, Daniels will need some help from the defense. Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray is off to a fantastic start, too, with five touchdowns and only one interception through three games against a difficult schedule. Murray has also done his fair share of damage on the ground, rushing for 161 yards.

So, who do we think wins? It’s time for Commanders Wire’s staff predictions:

Bryan Manning

Conventional wisdom says the Commanders will struggle coming off a short week and the emotional high of Monday’s upset win. But who knows with this group? This isn’t the same Washington team, thanks to one person: Daniels.

The defense remains problematic. Why would we expect them to be able to get stops against Murray? Murray, like Daniels, is an electric dual-threat who’ll create headaches for the Commanders on the second level.

I think Sunday’s game will be a shootout. And I think it’ll be close. However, it’s difficult to believe Daniels can sustain his level of play from Monday’s game. Not many veteran superstars have games like that, much less rookie quarterbacks. This game will come down to the wire, but Arizona’s defense will make more plays, resulting in a close win.

Cardinals 31, Commanders 27

Ivan Lambert

Jayden Daniels is going to miss Austin Ekeler against the Cardinals on Sunday. Ekeler has been effective, averaging 6.38 yards on his 13 carries. Even more, he is averaging 13.44 yards on his nine receptions. His 62-yard kickoff last week to open the second half also led to a short-drive touchdown.

The Commanders are going to need to run the ball better this week. Besides the Ekeler first-half touchdown run, the Commanders could not get Brian Robinson going (16-33/ 2.06).

Defensively, the Commanders are by far the worst team in the NFL on 3rd downs. They must contain Kyler Murray in the pocket. He is just as dangerous with his feet as he is passing.

Marvin Harrison Jr. looks to pose a problem for the secondary, similar to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins last week.

Cardinals 34, Commanders 27