The Washington Commanders (0-1) host the New York Giants (0-1) on Sunday in a battle of two longtime NFC East rivals.
The Commanders fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the season opener, 37-20. In his debut, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 17 of 24 passes for 184 yards. He also rushed for 88 yards on 16 attempts and two touchdowns.
While Washington dropped its opener, the Minnesota Vikings and Sam Darnold blew the Giants off their home field. New York’s defense was as ugly as its offense.
The Giants have dominated this series recently, but there’s a new era in Washington. Head coach Dan Quinn has enjoyed success over the Giants while he was the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys.
Here are four reasons the Commanders should be optimistic heading into Week 2:
Jayden Daniels
The Giants’ defense looked abysmal against the Vikings. I wouldn’t expect Daniels to carry the football 16 times again this week, but offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will be more aggressive this week. Daniels may not carry the ball 16 times, but if he sees an opening, he will run — and he should. Don’t be surprised if Daniels has a big day throwing the football. The mere threat of his legs opens things up for the passing game.
Daniel Jones
You could put Jones here or on the other list, too. Yes, the Commanders are essentially the only NFL team that Jones has continued success against, but luck has to run out at some point. Jack Del Rio’s defense had no answer for Jones, particularly when he moved around, but Quinn’s time in Dallas prepared him to face Jones, who turns into Steve Young against Washington.
Austin Ekeler/Brian Robinson Jr.
If Week 1 was any indication, the Commanders will have a dangerous two-man backfield. Ekeler and Robinson were both outstanding as receivers against the Bucs. The running back duo combined to catch seven passes for 101 yards and also combined for 50 rushing yards and a touchdown. Ekeler looks like he hasn’t missed a step, and Robinson has turned into a complete back, capable of taking over as a runner or receiver.
No Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley is gone. The Giants allowed the former franchise back to walk in the offseason, and he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Commanders will still have to face Barkley twice yearly, but his departure left a massive void that New York couldn’t immediately fill. In their first game without Barkley, the Giants rushed for 74 yards on 21 attempts. No, Barkley is good news for the Commanders.
