The Washington Commanders defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-22 on Sunday to move to 1-0 on the new season. Quarterback Carson Wentz passed for 313 yards, with four touchdowns and two interceptions in his Washington debut.
It was an exciting win for the Commanders. Surely, Washington would be on the move in the various NFL power rankings?
ESPN wasn’t impressed. In their updated power rankings, the Commanders moved up just one spot to No. 20.
Rookie who stood out: WR Jahan Dotson
Dotson caught only three passes for 40 yards, but two catches were for touchdowns and both highlighted his skill as a receiver — and why Washington is so high on him. He also got open on a couple of other throws but was missed. The No. 16 overall draft pick caught a 7-yard touchdown pass in which he froze the corner, got him leaning outside and then cut back inside to catch a dart from quarterback Carson Wentz. In the fourth quarter he caught the go-ahead touchdown pass, on which he was obstructed and had to make a lunging grab in the end zone. Dotson ran good routes and showed excellent hands — traits that drew Washington to him in the first place. — John Keim
Why did the Commanders only move up one spot? They beat the team with the No. 1 overall pick in each of the last two years. That’s not to disparage the Jags, but Washington likely needs to put a few wins together before anyone takes them seriously.
