The Washington Commanders now are 8-5 after Sunday’s tremendous 42-19 home win against the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 1 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
This is the third game this season in which the Commanders have scored 40 points or more, a record that has not been hit in team franchise history since 1991.
The Commanders’ strong win made it Washington’s third against an AFC opponent since 2022. The Titans dropped to 3-9 on the season.
For the first time since 1996, the Commanders have eight wins over the season’s first 13 weeks.
With Washington putting themselves back in the win column, they broke their three-game losing streak and now have a positive outlook entering a long-awaited bye week.
Here are three crucial observations from the Commanders’ win ahead of their brief hiatus before their game in New Orleans on Dec. 15:
- Great Things Happen When The Commanders Aim for Terry McLaurin
This game against the Titans proved that when the Commanders aim for wide receiver Terry McLaurin, great things happen offensively.
For weeks, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury received criticized evaluations of not playing McLaurin enough or using him in crucial moments during games.
Kingsbury took the evaluations in full consideration against Tennessee by playing him early on, so much so that fans started multiple “Terry” chants throughout the game.
“I’ve got to shout out the crowd because, you know, they give me energy when I hear them chanting my name and chanting for our team,” McLaurin said. “I wouldn’t rather play with anyone else. So, I’m extremely grateful and just excited. I’ve got to get going early, get in the field of the game, and try to make plays for us.”
McLaurin scored two touchdowns in the first half and finished as the leader in receiving with eight passes on 73 yards. The stats show that Washington is more successful when they insert plays that involve McLaurin early on down the stretch.
- Brian Robinson Jr. Enhances Washington’s Offense
Although Washington misses having running back Austin Ekeler out on the field, there is a huge and obvious difference when they don’t have Brian Robinson Jr.
Ekeler is one of Washington’s best offensive players who helps with the passing and running game, but the momentum that Robinson holds is truly unmatched.
His strong drive to get yardage and unique style of play brings an exciting spark to Washington’s offense. It is no secret that when he is fully healthy, his impact is in full magnitude and quarterback Jayden Daniels emphasized Robinson’s contributions.
“I just think what he’s been doing this season is remarkable,” said Daniels. “How he’s able to run and get to the second level — break tackles. So, obviously, any running game is going to help out any quarterback,” said Daniels.
Against the Titans, Robinson was completely healthy showing true dominance early on.
On the Commanders’ third play of the game, Robinson scored the team’s first touchdown of the day on a 40-yard run. His touchdown set the tone early on the determination that they Commanders to continue their scoring authority.
“He’s huge. He’s huge for our team,” McLaurin said. “When you got a guy like that who you got to tackle him for four quarters, it could be a long day for you. And he always seems to find a way to fall forward. He gets the tough yards.”
Robinson finished the day leading in rushing for Washington with 103 yards on sixteen attempts.
The run game was considered to be one of the factors that pressured defenses early on in the season. This bye week comes at the best time for Robinson. He will have the opportunity to get healthy and stronger before Washington’s postseason run.
- The Rookie Spark of Jayden Daniels is Back
Daniel’s, the rookie quarterback, brings back the spark of what the league and fans witnessed in the beginning of the season.
With low accuracy and uncharacteristic decision-making over the last three weeks, Daniels made a major comeback against the Titans sparking his breakthrough.
His spark was triggered early on in the first half. Kingsbury made sure that the ball was released from Daniels’ hands swiftly helping ignite the spark.
Daniels ended the day completing 25-of-30 passes for 206 yards. He also scored three of Washington’s touchdowns and finished third rushing for 34 yards on nine attempts.
He became the first player in the team’s franchise history in a game to record three passing touchdowns and rush for one. This hasn’t been done since Kirk Cousins in week 15 of the 2015 season against the Buffalo Bills.
A highlight of the day for Daniels was his play connection with McLaurin. This connection solidified success for Washington’s offense and resulted in McLaurin receiving all eight of his passes.
“It’s the 13th game of the season, so, obviously, it’s still rapport; but it’s still our first year together,” said Daniels. “It’s going to continue to grow, continue to learn more about each other, and keep growing.”