Tag: Luke McCaffrey

Quick facts from the Commanders’ Week 15 win over the Saints

Some quick facts and numbers from the Commanders’ win over the Saints.

The Commanders survived and that’s about all they did late, holding on dearly for a 20-19 win over the Saints at Caesars Stadium in New Orleans.

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

  • It was ugly, and they were holding on for dear life, but it was the Commanders’ 9th win of the year. The first time that has happened since the 2015 season. Ron Rivera often mentioned how they were division winners in 2020, but it was a losing 7-9 season.
  • The Commanders were 9 for 17 on third downs today and 1-1 on fourth down.
  • The Commanders ran 74 offensive plays to only 51 for the Saints. However, their drives were killed by giving up an obscene eight quarterback sacks.
  • Today, the Commanders were called for nine penalties for a loss of 84 yards. The most crucial was a Dyami Brown reception which would have allowed the Commanders to run the clock down to less than a minute, but a holding penalty negated it.
  • Today was the tale of two games: Washington dominated the first two and one-half quarters by a 17-0 margin. However, in the last one-and-one-half quarter, the Saints outscored the Commanders 19-3.
  • Jayden Daniels completed 25 of 31 passes for 226 yards, two touchdown passes, and no interceptions, but he was sacked eight times!
  • For the third game this season, the Commanders allowed 0 first-half points. The last time they accomplished this feat was in the 2015 season.
  • Terry McLaurin had seven receptions for 73 yards and two touchdown receptions, which gave McLaurin 11 receiving touchdowns this season, a career-high.
  • Terry McLaurin’s two first-half touchdown receptions was the second time he has done this in 2024. The last time a Washington player caught two touchdowns in a half was Jordan Reed in 2015.
  • Dominating the first half, the Commanders had a 13-2 lead in first downs, were 6-9 on third downs while the Saints were only 1-6, and had outgained the Saints 165-38. However, they only led 14-0.
  • Veteran wide receiver Jamison Crowder missed most of the season on injured reserve. Returning today, he contributed three receptions for 27 yards.
  • With the loss of KR/ RB Austin Ekeler, Luke McCaffrey today stepped in and had three returns for 30+ yards.
  • TE Zach Ertz made a nice one-handed grab but was injured on the tackle. He was ruled out with a concussion and did not return. If he can’t return next week vs the Eagles, this could be huge.
  • Saints QB Jake Haener passed for only 49 first-half yards and was replaced by Spencer Rattler, who passed for 135 second-half yards, a passing touchdown, and was only a two-point conversion away from pulling out the Saints’ comeback win.
  • Today’s win clinched Washington’s first winning season since the 2016 team finished 8-7-1.

 

Where did Jayden Daniels and other Commanders’ rookies spend their day off?

The Commanders’ rookies spent their day off bringing Christmas cheer.

The Washington Commanders are back in town this week after a much-needed week off. Some players remained in the area, while others used the week off to escape the grind. Washington hadn’t had any extended time off since reporting to training camp in July.

The Commanders will return on their regular weekly schedule on Wednesday for practice, but the rookie class made good use of their day off before returning to work.

Jayden Daniels and 13 other members of the rookie class spent Tuesday at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Daniels was dressed as Santa’s helper, while fellow rookie quarterback Sam Hartman was Santa Clause.

Daniels spent time with every child and expressed his happiness to be able to make them smile.

“Obviously, you don’t want anybody to go through the circumstances they’re going through,” Daniels told Chick Hernandez of WUSA 9 Sports in Washington. “But just to come back, being around, and just to bring them joy and see the smiles on their faces and interact with them, I mean, there is nothing I could ask for. And that’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Just give back to kids and help kids, inspire them.”

Luke McCaffrey spent some time with Riley, who designed his cleats for the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats,” where NFL players are allowed to wear customized cleats representing a charitable organization that is important to them. McCaffrey represents “The Logan Project,” which you can find more about here.

Here’s McCaffrey seeing his customized cleats for the first time.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDCqBg5RXe5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Riley took down both McCaffrey and Daniels in a game of cards.

It was a special day for the Commanders’ rookie class, and they seemed to enjoy bringing Christmas cheer to the kids.

Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey’s time is coming

Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey gets open.

Fans were excited when the Washington Commanders selected Rice wide receiver Luke McCaffrey in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft. While McCaffrey had only played wide receiver for two years after moving from quarterback, he enjoyed a dominant senior season.

It also didn’t hurt that he was the younger brother of 49ers superstar Christian McCaffrey and the son of three-time Super Bowl champion Ed McCaffrey.

With Washington, McCaffrey had a clear opportunity. Outside of Terry McLaurin, the Commanders lacked a legitimate No. 2 receiver, and this was before they traded former first-round pick Jahan Dotson.

However, McCaffrey’s career hasn’t started as well as many had hoped. The good news is that he’s playing and taking advantage of the opportunities that come his way. Unfortunately, he isn’t receiving many of those opportunities.

Through 13 games, McCaffrey has 16 receptions for 155 yards. It seems like every time McCaffrey makes a catch, it’s at a critical juncture of the game. McCaffrey has 16 receptions — on 20 targets. That means he’s catching 80% of the balls thrown his way.

And he gets open. According to Pro Football Focus, only four players in the NFL create more consistent separation than McCaffrey. PFF data gives McCaffrey a 71.62% separation percentage. McCaffrey has 74 opportunities, and he has created separations on 53 of those routes.

Here’s how PFF defines its separation percentage metric:

Separation percentage measures how often a receiver beats the coverage to get open rather than benefiting from a defense more focused on limiting yards after the catch or stopping them short of the first down.

McCaffrey’s time is coming. No one knows his NFL ceiling, but McCaffrey gets open. It’s only a matter of time for Jayden Daniels and McCaffrey to get on the same page. When they do, McCaffrey’s numbers will rise.

Watch: NFL analyst with high praise for Commanders’ rookies not named Jayden Daniels

The Commanders’ rookie class continues to stand out.

In his latest edition of “Baldy’s Breakdowns,” NFL analyst and former NFL offensive lineman Brian Baldinger had some high praise for multiple members of the Washington Commanders’ 2024 draft class.

While Baldinger is a huge fan of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, he highlighted the performance of both of Washington’s third-round picks in last week’s win over the Cleveland Browns.

Left tackle Brandon Coleman made his first NFL start, splitting half the snaps with veteran Cornelius Lucas. Both played well. But most impressive is that Coleman’s assignment was defensive end Myles Garrett, arguably the NFL’s top defensive player.

Baldinger came away impressed with the rookie tackle.

On one play, Baldinger highlights how the Commanders’ other third-round pick, wide receiver Luke McCaffrey chipped Garrett, allowing Daniels to hit Dyami Brown for a 41-yard touchdown. It was a beautiful play from start to finish.

Baldinger also highlighted McCaffrey’s receiving and blocking, but most importantly, his willingness to do whatever it takes. Baldinger praised McCaffrey’s route-running.

McCaffrey helped spring running back Jeremy McNichols on his touchdown run last week.

It’s early, but it looks like first-year general manager Adam Peters hit a home run with the 2024 draft class. Daniels, McCaffrey, Coleman, Mike Sainristil, Ben Sinnott and Johnny Newton all showed flashes in five games.

As Baldinger said, there is “lots to be excited about in the capital city.”

Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey on the verge of a breakout

Commanders’ rookie WR Luke McCaffrey is on the verge of a breakout.

Wide receiver Luke McCaffrey was one of the more unheralded members of the Washington Commanders’ 2024 NFL draft. The final pick of the third round in April’s draft was overshadowed by quarterback Jayden Daniels, cornerback Mike Sainristil and others.

McCaffrey is accustomed to being overshadowed. The son of former NFL wide receiver Ed and the younger brother of 49ers running back Christian, Luke McCaffrey played quarterback at Nebraska and Rice before transitioning to wide receiver for his final two collegiate seasons.

McCaffrey quickly developed into a legitimate wide receiver prospect, catching 71 passes for 992 yards and 13 touchdowns. This offseason, McCaffrey, along with Daniels, were often the first players to arrive at the Commanders’ Ashburn headquarters for offseason workouts, impressing teammates and coaches.

McCaffrey was quiet in the preseason, but former NFL scout and Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy called McCaffrey “this year’s Puka Nacua.”

Through five games, McCaffrey has yet to make that type of impact, but he does have 10 receptions for 98 yards and has been open often in each of Washington’s games, which could mean a breakout is coming.

McCaffrey routinely ranks among the NFL’s best in creating separation each week, which is impressive considering he’s a rookie with only two years of experience as a wide receiver.

While we await McCaffrey’s breakout regarding numbers, he’s making an impact. He’s one of several players who have embraced Washington’s team-first mindset.

Check out McCaffey on this block:

If you think this was a one-off, think again. There are plays like this all over McCaffrey’s film this season.

When you go back and watch Washington’s Week 5 win over Cleveland, you’ll see plenty of McCaffrey being open. Daniels has already found McCaffrey during some clutch moments through five weeks. Once the two are completely on the same page — and that time will come — McCaffrey will reward general manager Adam Peters’ faith in him and become the Commanders’ unquestioned No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin.

 

What stood out the most for Quinn in Commanders’ upset win?

What impressed Dan Quinn the most from Washington’s win?

Dan Quinn noticed something very early in Monday’s game against Cincinnati that he really liked.

The Bengals came out swinging, only needing six plays to go 71 yards on their first possession for a quick 7-0 lead.

“Early on, going for it on 4th down to extend our first drive, to go down and get points,” Quinn said, something that he thought was important Monday. “Cincinnati came down and scored right away. For us to come back and go right down and get points was like, ‘Hey man, we are about this fight today too.'”

Quinn said the execution and scoring on the Commanders first possession was saying, “We are here to bring it as well. And we’re going to be aggressive and take our chances when they come up. So, I’d say the way that the guys got ready, assuming there was going to be some third and fourth downs that we had to go nail. That would be one for me right off the get-go.”

Indeed, the Commanders were successful on five of nine third downs, and even more significantly, they were successful all three times they went for it on the fourth down.

The Bengals went up and down the field all night on Washington. They did not have to punt either, like the Commanders. Cincinnati outrushed Washington 124-108 and outgained them in passing, too, 312-248.

On the defensive side, perhaps the difference in the game was that the Bengals outgained the Commanders 7.3-6.2 in yards per play. Twice, the Commanders’ defense inside the red zone forced the Bengals to kick field goals. Instead of a possible 14 points, the Bengals came away with only 6 points.

Thus, the Commanders came away with their second win of 2024.

WATCH: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels connects with Luke McCaffrey on 4th down

Washington’s rookies connecting early on Monday Night Football.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn knew he would need to be aggressive if his team had any chance to upset the Cincinnati Bengals on the Week 3 edition of Monday Night Football.

Quinn was right. The Bengals went on offense first, and quarterback Joe Burrow found wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for a relatively easy 41-yard touchdown to give Cincinnati an early 7-0 lead.

How would his rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, respond?

Daniels quickly led Washington across midfield but came up short on third down. Would Quinn settle for a field goal on the first drive or be aggressive and go for it?

Quinn was aggressive, and Daniels rewarded his decision. On fourth-and-2, Daniels calmy found fellow rookie Luke McCaffrey for 30 yards, setting up the Commanders with a first-and-goal.

Check it out:

https://twitter.com/Commanders/status/1838375236858675214

A few plays later, Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. punched it in for his second touchdown this season to tie the game, 7-7.

An encouraging NFL debut for Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey

Advanced stats indicate good times ahead for Luke McCaffrey.

No Washington wide receiver put up eye-popping stats in Week 1. The Commanders fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 37-20. Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels passed for 184 yards in his NFL debut.

Running backs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. were Washington’s leading receivers from Week 1. The talented running back duo combined for seven receptions for 101 yards.

Where was Terry McLaurin? Well, the Commanders didn’t throw a lot to their receivers. McLaurin finished with four targets, catching two passes for 17 yards. Daniels missed McLaurin on a deep ball that would’ve gone for a touchdown.

It was rookie Luke McCaffrey who led the wide receivers with three receptions. Sure, he only finished with 18 yards, but he caught all three targets, including one tough grab near the goal line. There was also the two-point conversion ruled incomplete that the Commanders should’ve challenged.

While McCaffrey didn’t look like the 2023 version of Puka Nacua in Week 1, advanced stats were impressed with his debut. McCaffrey was in exclusive company as it was related to his separation ability vs. Tampa Bay.

https://twitter.com/ScottBarrettDFB/status/1833547943569391870

McCaffrey’s debut flew under the radar because he didn’t put up big numbers.

https://twitter.com/thorku/status/1832964629720338701

More proof that McCaffrey is Washington’s No. 2 receiver.

https://twitter.com/SmolaDS/status/1833151238256366031

Don’t get discouraged. Good times are ahead for McCaffrey.

Missed opportunities plagued Commanders in Week 1

Three missed opportunities from Sunday’s loss stand out and could’ve made a major difference.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers handily defeated the Washington Commanders 37-20 in Week 1. The Bucs and their quarterback, Baker Mayfield, spoiled the NFL debut of Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Daniels was solid in defeat, completing 17 of 24 passes for 184 yards while rushing for 88 yards and two touchdowns, but there were some plays he’d love to have back.

Washington’s pass defense allowed Mayfield to complete 80% of his passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns. The defense looked like the 2023 Commanders, with receivers roaming free in the secondary and communication problems in Washington’s secondary.

But despite the final score, the game could have been much closer if not for the Commanders’ multiple mistakes.

First, there’s this near-interception from cornerback Benjamin St-Juste.

At this time, Tampa Bay was leading 3-0 in the first quarter. It faced a second-and-11 from the 50-yard line. St-Juste did an outstanding job reading the play and jumping the route. Unfortunately, he dropped the interception, which could have been a game-changing play. Sure, it would have been a tough catch, but these are the types of plays Washington’s defense has lacked for years.

Next, there is this play from rookie wide receiver Luke McCaffrey. Daniels threw to McCaffrey on what looked like a wide receiver screen but stepped back to pass and thought better of it. After further review, Daniels was open with blockers in front of him. Had McCaffrey pulled the trigger, this could have been a touchdown.

Head coach Dan Quinn joked about this play on Monday. If McCaffrey gets this chance again, there’s no way he won’t throw it.

Finally, there’s this deep ball from Daniels to Terry McLaurin.

Daniels throws a beautiful deep ball, and McLaurin clearly had the defender beat. Daniels will not miss many of these in the future, but this one hurt.

What happens if these three plays go Washington’s way? The Commanders still may not have won the game, but the final score and the narrative could be much different this week.

Let’s not forget Washington’s kicking situation. Cade York missed two field goals and kicked another one out of bounds. All three led to eventual points for the Bucs. York was released on Monday.

Quinn made some coaching errors of his own, whether it was clock management or his decision not to go for two in the third quarter. Going for two and converting would’ve made the score 23-15.

There is a lot to improve on for Week 2. Yes, Washington lacks talent at critical positions, but this team was a few plays away from a different game in Week 1.

 

Were the Commanders holding back Luke McCaffrey this summer?

Luke McCaffrey is listed as one of Washington’s starting wide receivers in an updated depth chart.

On Tuesday, the Washington Commanders released their depth chart ahead of Week 1, and four rookies were in the starting lineup.

Wide receiver Luke McCaffrey, left tackle Brandon Coleman, quarterback Jayden Daniels and cornerback Mike Sainristil were all listed as starters. Daniels and Sainristil were not a surprise; neither was Coleman. However, Coleman missed all of the preseason after an excellent start in training camp.

Is Coleman atop the depth chart because he’s healthy and the team is confident in him, or is it due to Washington’s lack of depth at the position?

Next is McCaffrey. When the Commanders traded former first-round pick Jahan Dotson, almost everyone believed that would mean more work for the third-round pick and younger brother of Christian McCaffrey.

Throughout training camp, McCaffrey was quiet. Brycen Tremayne and Mitchell Tinsley were the young wideouts everyone heard about. It wasn’t that McCaffrey was bad; he wasn’t. He just wasn’t on the daily highlight reels.

Perhaps that was by design.

Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has some advantages heading into Week 1. He has a new offense, a rookie quarterback, and some overall mystery surrounding what type of offense we will see. Maybe the Commanders knew in the spring that McCaffrey was special and had always planned a significant role for him as a rookie.

In 2019, former head coach Jay Gruden limited Terry McLaurin in the preseason. Gruden said he knew from the moment he first saw McLaurin that he was special and would immediately be the team’s top receiver. Gruden was right and McLaurin had a huge game in his debut.

Could McCaffrey be on a trajectory similar to McLaurin’s in his rookie season?

While outsiders express concern about Washington’s receivers, general manager Adam Peters, head coach Dan Quinn and Kingsbury have expressed confidence in the current group. Maybe that’s because they know what they have.

Fantasy football expert Matthew Berry recently predicted big things for McCaffrey.

https://twitter.com/LeBatardShow/status/1828793765202710678

It sounds like you should start buying stock in McCaffrey if you’re into fantasy football. It’s important to note that while McCaffrey is atop the depth chart, Dyami Brown should also see plenty of time.