Tag: Bills QB Josh Allen

Daniels and Commanders are actually scaring others to death?

The Daniels talk is exciting, but it’s important to remember he’s still a rookie.

It’s that time of year again, and everyone’s favorite NFL team is going to be much better than they were in 2023.

All of the draft selections your team made in April have tremendous upside. Your fan base is busy projecting how good they are going to be in 2024.

I remember how George Allen was always acquiring a couple of new veterans every off season. “The future is now,” Allen would proclaim, firing up the fan base. The Redskins were going to be even better next year.

That was 50 years ago, and I’ve been watching this phenomenon ever since.

But this offseason, may take the cake regarding the Commanders.

Three weeks ago, ESPN’s Louis Riddick declared Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was “going to take the town by storm.” After three weeks, Riddick has had more than enough time to calm down and become more realistic, right?

After the latest workouts Riddick talked of how the ball rarely hits the ground, Jayden Daniels is that good. Not to be outdone, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler last week exclaimed that others around the NFL are saying, ” I am kinda scared to death of what Washington could be with Jayden Daniels.”

But “Scared to death of Washington…” People, they were 4-13 last year, and Daniels is going to be so great in his rookie season. Are other NFL insiders already scared to death of Washington?

If Daniels and the Commanders are already scaring them to death, what is Washington’s record going to be this season? Scared to death? Does that mean 12-5?  13-4?

Excuse me, did you forget about the offensive tackles? How about the defense that was absolutely last in several categories last year? Noticed how Ron Rivera’s four first-round choices have performed?

Of course, Adam Peters and Dan Quinn have worked hard to improve the roster, and Daniels will make exciting plays, but do you remember great NFL quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen who struggled at times as rookies?

Have those guys forgotten Justin Herbert still hasn’t won a playoff game?

We here at Commanders Wire want very much for Daniels to have a productive rookie season, but lets’ have some realistic expectations, shall we?

4 reasons the Commanders should be concerned about the Bills

Which four things should concern the Commanders most about the Bills?

The Bills offense averages 5.4 yards per play

The 5.4 yards per offensive play is 8th best in the NFL after two weeks. Running back James Cook (Dalvin’s younger brother) is having huge success in the first two weeks, averaging 5.8 yards on his 29 rushing attempts, totaling 169 yards.

The combination of James Cook moving the chains and opening up the possibility of the play-action passing game should greatly concern the Commanders defensive personnel.

Josh Allen has the physical ability to win any week

After Josh Allen threw three interceptions in the Bills opener against the Jets, all Allen did last week was the exact opposite. He passed for four touchdowns, had no interceptions, for 274 yards and a passer rating of 124.5. The Commanders’ pass-rushing personnel must maintain lane integrity. It does more harm than good to simply rush wide, leaving gaping holes for Allen. He is explosive and can easily exploit a team whose pass-rushing is undisciplined. Allen can then extend plays by either finding a receiver downfield or utilizing his open-field running ability.

The Washington pass defense gave up huge completions last week

Last week against Denver, the Commanders defense surrendered on the first three Broncos possessions, drives of 61, 75 and 90 yards. In addition, each culminated in a Broncos touchdown. After the Commanders defense had seemed to take control of the game, they again succumbed, yielding 61 and 87 yards on the Broncos’ last two possessions. Against Denver, the Commanders allowed three passes each gaining at least  50+ yards.

The Bills pass defense is overlooked

Sam Howell being sacked ten times in two games ties for third worst in the NFL with Chicago’s Justin Fields. Only Houston’s C.J. Stroud (11) and the NYG Daniel Jones (12) have been sacked more often. In addition, Howell endured 8 quarterback hits last week against Denver.

The Bills’ defense has yielded only 26 first downs, which ties for second-best in the NFL. Their pass defense has also only surrendered 30 completions, which is third-best in the league. They are getting off of the field, having only allowed 17 passing first downs and five rushing first downs, which is tied for 5th best. Also, the Bills have permitted only a 73.2 passer rating thus far, which is 5th best.

When they last met; Commanders and Bills

It didn’t go so well for Washington.

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Buffalo 43, Washington 21 – Week 3, September 26, 2021

The Bills crushed Washington, gaining 481 yards of offense on their way to an easy 43-21 victory at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY.

The Washington defense was clearly out of position time and again as the Bills raced out to a 21-0 lead. The ‘Football Team’ was able to reduce the lead to seven points when Antonio Gibson took a Taylor Heinicke screen pass 73 yards for a touchdown, and Heinicke scored from 4 yards.

However, the Bills then blew open the game with 22 consecutive points, stretching their lead to as high as 43-14.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen enjoyed one of his best days in the NFL, completing 32 of 43 passes for 358 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions for a 129.8 passer rating.

Washington was dominated in every statistical category by the Bills: First Downs (29-13), Rushing Yards (122-78), Passing Yards (359-212), Total Offensive Yards (481-290), Turnovers (3-0), Third Down Conversions (9/15- 2/11), Time of Possession (35:37-24:23)

Buffalo leads the all-time series between the two franchises 10-6. Washington won the only playoff game between the two teams when they defeated Buffalo in Super Bowl XXVI 37-24 to conclude the 1991 NFL season.