Why are the Commanders such a surprising team in four games?
The knee-jerk response is rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Of course, that is probably the most significant difference compared to last year’s team. As much as we love Daniels, we know it’s not that simple; it never is.
The Commanders’ offensive line is better than last year—no, make that so much better.
The #Commanders are:
– No. 1 in the NFL in ESPN's Run-Block Win Rate
– No. 8 in the NFL in ESPN's Pass-Block Win Rate
– No. 5 in the NFL in @BenBBaldwin's Pass-Protection Ratings CompositeThe offensive line hasn't just been "not bad." It has been great.
— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) October 2, 2024
Friday, speaking with the media, head coach Dan Quinn praised offensive line coach Bobby Johnson.
“Yeah, I think coming into it [we] wanted one, somebody that was an excellent teacher, and I think at that position, that’s where a lot of development takes place. You’re coaching a lot of guys and the development of that position, it’s not like just add water and play.”
Even more interesting was that one of Quinn’s friends in NFL coaching circles Brian Daboll (NYG HC) had previously spoken very highly of Johnson.
“I’ve known Brian for a long time, and like any job you’re looking for, you want to ask as many people as you can. And what really came through for me strong was the teaching, that part of things. And that was really important to me. And so I’ve really been impressed by the work that he has done so far.”
It would be simplistic to say that Daniels is the sole reason the Commanders are better, but it would be to say that Johnson is the sole reason the offensive line is better.
Consider the stark contrasts between last year’s offensive coordinator’s press conferences and this year’s. The two men are so different in approach on and off the field. The Commanders are running the ball well enough and often enough that Daniels is not being asked to carry too much of the load.
Lastly, just months ago, most of us complained about Adam Peters when he waited until the third round to draft an offensive lineman, and even more when that was his only draft choice used on the offensive line.
Peters knew what he was doing, fully aware he had already released Nick Gates and Charles Leno. Next, he had signed free agents Nick Allegretti and Tyler Biadasz. Lastly, he drafted Brandon Coleman 67th overall.
In summary, this offensive line is not last year’s, their coach is not the same, and neither is their offensive coordinator.
Yes, the offensive line has been a major contributor to Jayden Daniels making headlines for the last two weeks.
More importantly, the Washington Commanders have been making headlines the last two weeks.
