The Commanders took on division rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, and came up short. Really short. The scoreline of 25-10 for Dallas was if anything, flattering to Washington.
The defense put up a decent fight at times, but the offense was once again, anaemic. They have managed just 18 points in the last two contests.
Fans are clamoring for Carson Wentz to take a seat in favor of Taylor Heinicke – or even more desperately, Sam Howell.
With Washington’s current offensive line play, that seems like fool’s gold.
The Good:
Jonathan Allen
The same guy keeps showing up and showing out each week, and proving why he is the team’s undisputed leader. Jonathan Allen had another solid outing on Sunday and led the team with eight tackles.
He was also the only Commander to sack Dallas quarterback Cooper Rush. Allen also added an additional Quarterback hurry.
He is the only player that can honestly state that he has played well in each of Washington’s first four games.
Also mention: Kamren Curl
The Bad
Offensive Line
On average, Wentz had just over 2.0 seconds to get rid of the ball on Sunday. While he didn’t make much of it, it’s tough when you’re running for your life for an entire game.
Trai Turner has now been permanently replaced by Saadiq Charles. Which is great for Charles but not exactly great for the state of the offensive line overall. Charles Leno Jr., Andrew Norwell and Sam Cosmi all rank among the league’s very worst in getting beat. Not one player – three players.
That just isn’t good enough.
As stated last week, replacing two guards is clearly not as easy as just dropping in two other “former Pro Bowlers”.
This line looks terrible, and it is a major factor in Washington’s struggles so far this season. And unfortunately, there is no real way to fix it at this late juncture, so fans will just have to hope that line coach Mike Matsko can pull them together. Good luck Mike.
We miss you Brendan.
How about coming back Ereck?
William Jackson III
While only one person or group usually occupies each slot, Jackson’s return to action after a week on the shelf was so abysmal that it bears mentioning.
Three penalties totalling 70 yards just can’t be ignored. Nor should it be.
One of the penalties even negated an interception by safety Kam Curl.
Jackson’s take on the penalties?
“I mean, receivers in this league, they know how to get a flag. They know how to flop,” said Jackson after the game. “At the end of the day, you just got to keep playing, and hopefully it’ll go my way.”
Benjamin St. Juste was considerably better in the position just one week before.
Hopefully there is an unbiased open battle for the slot this week at practice.
The Fugly
Ron Rivera
Third week in a row here for Rivera.
Is that fair?
He’s the team’s coach and he built this mess.
On top of that, Washington continue to look sloppy and unprepared each game. They also continue to play with zero discipline. Eleven penalties totalling 136 yards is going to be tough to persevere in any game of NFL football.
Rivera also seems to be losing the plot in response to the mess. At yesterday’s press conference, he dropped an F bomb and seemed incredulous that fans would expect or hope for any type of progress after “just three seasons”.
A certain 11-year old Commanders fan who prefers anonymity, was asked to opine what he thought of Rivera’s reaction to Sunday’s loss.
“Unprofessional.”
Amen.
A lack of accountability is just a bad look for a guy who basically holds all of the football cards for the Commanders. Either man up and admit that you have to do better, or just shut up.
Next
The Commanders will face the Tennessee Titans in Week 5.