The Washington Commanders (8-5) lead the New Orleans Saints (5-8) 14-0 at halftime.
New Orleans began the game on offense, and Washington quickly forced a punt. Quarterback Jayden Daniels took over and led the game’s first scoring driving, finding wide receiver Terry McLaurin for a 16-yard touchdown to give the Commanders an early 7-0 lead.
Daniels led another impressive drive, finishing with a second touchdown pass to McLaurin, making it 14-0.
Here are four takeaways from the first half:
Jayden Daniels sharp
Daniels didn’t throw deep in the first half, but he was extremely accurate in the short and intermediate passing game, completing 17 of 19 passes for 140 yards. His first touchdown pass to McLaurin will be on the highlight reels this week. Daniels escaped multiple pressures before seeing McLaurin streak across the field.
Running game was slow to get going
Brian Robinson Jr. led the Commanders with 26 yards in the first half. Daniels carried the ball six times for 20 yards, but New Orleans kept him from getting around the corner multiple times. The Saints’ defensive line is winning the battle up front.
Terry McLaurin remains phenomenal
McLaurin’s two first-half touchdowns give him 11 on the season. It’s his fourth multi-touchdown game of the season and his second in a row. McLaurin’s previous career-high was seven touchdowns. Washington’s offense
Defense is doing as it should
The Saints ended the first half with 38 total yards. The Commanders sacked Jake Haener three times. New Orleans’ only big play was a completion from Haener to running back Alvin Kamara. New Orleans has 18 rushing yards and is one of six on third downs. This is what Washington’s defense should be doing against a young quarterback making his first start, who is without all of his top pass-catchers.
