Losers of three consecutive games, the Commanders one week ago, looked to be perfect candidates for another upset loss.
Having suffered a disappointing loss to the Cowboys (34-26) in a home Week 12 contest, the Commanders not only lost, they looked a step slow and the inferior team.
More than a few sports show hosts voiced that the Commanders were prime candidates for another loss, and one reason was the Titans’ defense. Entering the Week 13 game, the Titans defense was first in passing yards allowed (169.6), second in total yards allowed (276.4), second in defensive third down percentage (31.6), and third in yards allowed per play (4.8).
Even in its own town, Washington’s The Team 980 host Lynell Willingham proclaimed the Commanders would fall to the Titans.
Not to kick Willingham when he is down; don’t we all make predictions that don’t come true? Don’t we all get it wrong more times than we would like to admit?
That was all great to build up the game; however, what actually transpired in the game?
- The Commanders possessed the ball 40:13, more than double that of the Titans, who had it only 19:47.
- Washington ran the ball 45 times, while the Titans ran it 11 times. The Commanders outrushed the Titans 267-35.
- Against the vaunted Titans defense, Brian Robinson finished with 103 yards on 16 carries. In addition, Chris Rodriguez ran 13 times for 94 yards.
- The Commanders accumulated 29 first downs, holding the Titans to a mere 12, had the advantage in total plays 77-50, and out-gained the Titans 463-245.
BRob goes for 17 on 3rd and 1 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XmbO1fFeRV
— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) December 1, 2024
Had Jayden Daniels hit the rookie wall?
On Sunday, against the Titans, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury coached Daniels to get the ball out of his hands, move the chains, and avoid being hit while passing. Consequently, Daniels completed 25 of 30 passing attempts (83 percent) for 206 yards (6.9 yards per attempt).
Daniels was the most significant player in turning around the Commanders from a dreadful 4-13 team in 2023. He’s not the only significant personnel change but the most significant change.
The offensive line is vastly improved, and yes, coaching matters, as evidenced by Kingsbury’s adjustments in how he has prepared Daniels throughout the season.
Finally, it really is a week-to-week league. Therefore, the Commanders should have been resting during this bye week and will need to be ready to return next week to work for the season’s last four games.
