Division-leading Commanders cite ‘complimentary football’ for hot start

Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn felt best about his team following rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels’ first career interception. 

No, really. 

Washington’s typically suspect defense responded by forcing a three-and-out during the second quarter of Sunday’s 42-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

That sequence, where the defensive unit covered for their quarterback’s first major mistake, epitomized what Quinn wanted to see from his now 3-1 squad. 

“I was pleased to see the complimentary football,” Quinn said Monday, also highlighting a fourth-down stop that allowed the offense to score before the end of the first half. “I thought that there was a clear illustration of it. That’s so important for us to do.”

The synergy of the offensive and defensive units won’t show up on the box score, but Quinn said it’s been essential for the team’s success.

The defense has been routinely cited as an area for improvement through the first month of the season. The group ranked among the worst in the league, especially in the secondary and on third downs.

But the weeks of hard work paid off Sunday as the group held the Cardinals to less than 300 yards, including just 115 yards through the air. 

Defense might win championships, as the saying goes, but Daniels was still the top story coming out of Sunday’s game.

He’s the first quarterback, rookie or not, to complete at least 85% of his passes in back-to-back games. His 82% completion percentage on the season is the best mark for any quarterback in NFL history through four games. 

However, Washington’s success on Sunday depended on an all-around team performance, according to the coaches and players. The offensive line was dominant, keeping Daniels clean while paving the way for more than 200 rushing yards from the backfield.

Quinn pointed out that, despite his quarterback’s various records, his favorite stat focused on the team. When his offense can string together 55 combined completions and rushing attempts, that’s a recipe for success. 

“That’s one that I like,” Quinn said. “When they’re 55 or over, there’s a really good chance to possess the ball, and we were well above that this game.”

Thanks to coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s hyper-efficient offense, the Commanders have hit that mark in each of their three wins this season. As Quinn pointed out, it’s easy to hit those marks when your quarterback completes passes at a record pace and possesses the athleticism to add several rushing attempts on his own. 

But it hasn’t been the Jayden Daniels show for the Commanders. Halfback Brian Robinson Jr., with a hard-hitting running style, has kept the offense on schedule and added a physical element to the backfield next to the shifty and dynamic Daniels. 

“He’s definitely built differently. He is that tough. He is that strong,” Quinn said. “For a guy like him, 21 carries or something along those lines, but he also dishes out a lot of punishment too.”

Entering the season, expectations for the Commanders around the league were low. With an overhauled roster, a new coach and a rookie quarterback, most saw this as a rebuilding year for the Burgundy and Gold. 

Not many people expected Washington to lead the NFC East after four weeks. 

With momentum on their side and the national media starting to pay attention, it’s Quinn’s job to keep his players on track. 

“What you don’t want to do is no tickets to the roller coaster,” he said.

That can be easier said than done. The team’s locker room couldn’t contain the sounds of celebration on Sunday night. Media waiting in the adjacent tunnel could clearly hear applause and cheers as the coaching staff handed out game balls.

On Monday, the team returned to its regularly scheduled training in Ashburn. On Monday, they watched the game film. Tuesday was a day off. They’ll hit the practice field on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Quinn hopes that routine will keep them on track.

“I think that helps avoid the highs and lows,” he said, noting that he wants the team “obsessed” with improvement. “Because quite honestly, we think we can improve in a lot of areas.”

The Commanders will ride their three-game winning streak into Northwest Stadium on Sunday for a matchup with the Cleveland Browns.