As the NFL season heats up, one storyline grabbing attention is the performance of the Washington Commanders. With a 3-1 start to the season, the Commanders have not only captured wins but have done so with an exceptional level of efficiency and effectiveness on both sides of the ball.
Unprecedented Success
Washington currently boasts the highest success rate in the NFL at 54.6%, a figure that stands as the second-best recorded since 2000. This football team has been producing an impressive 0.27 expected points added (EPA) per play, a measure that quantifies the value of each play in terms of points. For context, this rate is double that of the Buffalo Bills and eclipses the EPA per play of the 2004 Colts, a team known for its offensive prowess.
In back-to-back games, Washington has scored at least 38 points, a feat that hearkens back to the franchise's glory days of 1991. Remarkably, 22.9% of their plays have resulted in zero or negative yards, the lowest rate in the NFL. Even when the team experiences negative yardage, they generate a league-topping 0.52 EPA per play following such setbacks, surpassing the 2004 Colts' season mark of 0.43.
Ground Game Dominance
The ground game has been a cornerstone of Washington's success. The Commanders now lead the league in expected points added on rushing plays and have recorded the highest number of rushing touchdowns with 10. Their proficiency is further illustrated by their ranking third in the number of runs resulting in first downs. Brian Robinson Jr. has been a standout, averaging 3.92 yards after contact per rush, placing him sixth in the league.
Offensive Line Strength
Behind this powerful run game is an offensive line graded as the fourth-best pass-blocking unit by Pro Football Focus. This unit has allowed the tenth-lowest pressure rate in the league, providing the necessary time and space for both the rushing attack and the passing game to thrive. According to Pro Football Focus, Daniels has been sacked on just 21% of his pressured dropbacks, a stark contrast to Caleb Williams who has been sacked 30% of the time under pressure.
Commanders' Leadership and Strategy
The leadership within the team has also played a pivotal role. Terry McLaurin's request for a specific play led to what has been called the biggest touchdown of the season. This highlights not just the tactical acumen but also the collaborative spirit within the team. Coach Dan Quinn's philosophy emphasizes a relentless drive for improvement. "You talk about it, and you make sure -- you want them to feel that emotion in the locker room after a win. We have a real process that we go through every single week to get us ready to play, and that begins today and all the way through tomorrow and into Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. We have a theme of every day. So, by staying consistent in that approach, I think that helps avoid the highs and lows. And I hope, and what I told the team earlier is just an absolute obsession with getting better and that's what we need to chase. Not what happened in the last game, but just an absolute obsession on things that we can improve on. Because, quite honestly, we think we can improve in a lot of areas," Quinn stated.
The Daniels Contribution
On the defensive end, Jayden Daniels has been an unsung hero. With an 82.1% completion rate over a four-game stretch, he has even surpassed the peak period of Peyton Manning in 2008. His contributions have ensured the Commanders stay on the front foot, consistently setting the team up for success.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While Washington's offensive and defensive performances have been stellar, they have faced opponents whose defensive success rates rank 20th or worse, except for Cleveland's defense, which ranks eighth. This raises questions about how the Commanders will fare against stronger defenses moving forward. However, their current form suggests that they are well-equipped to handle these challenges.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Washington Commanders. Their dynamic offense, bolstered by outstanding individual performances and strategic excellence, positions them as formidable contenders. If they continue on this trajectory, Washington might not just be reminiscing about 1991, but creating new history in 2023.