If week one was sort of positive direction for the season in a two point loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, week two in Dallas sent the season off the road and possibly down a hill. Losing is one thing but a loss like that, with the other events that happened, will be a pivotal moment this early into the season. The major event is the injury to Jayden Daniels, which will be discussed a length, however the even scarier injury to S Nick Cross. The Commanders hardly have time to reset as the defending super bowl champion Seattle Seahawks come to Landover. Here is what I saw from the game.

The Good

• Run Defense- The front seven was able to stifle the Cowboys rushing attack. The Cowboys ended up with 66 yards on 21 carries. RB Javonte Williams had 30 yards on 12 attempts while QB Dak Prescott ended up with 26 yards on four carries. The run defense was down right horrible last season and Washington has made definite strides in that department.
• Rachaad White- Running Back Rachaad White looked a but off in week one however against the Cowboys we saw the back he was planned to be. White was good running the ball, catching the ball out of the backfield, and in pass protection. Washington needed some dynamic players and White played his part.
• Offense Moved the Ball- You can say what you want about the Dallas Cowboys defense, but the Washington offense was able to consistently move the ball with both Quarterback. Some mistakes or bad calls may have cost them points, however the offense made some strides. The offense in the second quarter under Jayden Daniels looked extremely confident and was able to stress all levels of the field. That is a very good sign.

The Bad

• Pass Defense-  For all the good stuff up front, the back end was bad. Routinely the secondary was confused, not effectively communicating, and getting beat. Add LB Leo Chenal to that equation and the Cowboys receivers had a field day. A serious decision needs to be made about CB Mikey Sainrisil because he is now the target of every offensive passing attack. Even when Sainrisil was in position Cowboys receivers still caught the ball. He needs a hard reset and needs to come off the field. It would help all parties for him to take a step back and really work his technique and understanding of Daronte Jones’ defense.
• Injuries- Four major injures that can have an affect of the direction of the season. QB Jayden Daniels, enough said. Before the injury he looked comfortable , decisive, and quick. It is looking like he escaped major injury and now will be pain management and protection of that elbow. My guess is we see Jayden after the break against the Eagles but could be sooner. The Nick Cross and Sam Cosmi injuries sounded and looked back. The team is extremely hush on Nick Cross’ injury however when you are talking overnight stay, internal bleeding is a common reason to keep someone overnight. That could be a month. Cosmi took friendly fire and was visibly shook by the hit. I don’t think he makes to Sunday. Add Ja’Von Kinlaw to that with a shoulder injury, and Washington got beat up pretty good.
• Officials- Now the officials were nowhere near the reason Washington lost to Dallas this weekend. With that being said, the inconsistency of the officiating is frustrating. The OPI call on Terry McLaurin after CeeDee Lamb shoved Mikey Sainrisil. The no touchdown on the Dyami Brown or Terry McLaurin plays. The Dyami Brown one was the most frustrating because everyone agreed, except the crew on the field. The NFL has the best product in the world so they should be able to make calls more consistent.

The Ugly

• Drew Stevens- With so many other issues on the team, K Drew Stevens missed another field goal on Sunday. This one would not have mattered but it shook the belief of the team that they could come back. Stevens has a monster leg but the accuracy needs to be better. If this happens a few more times then he maybe looking over his shoulder.
• Leo Chenal- A lot of attention has gone to the secondary and their struggles but LB Leo Chenal has looked outright confused out there. Most people around the league were excited with the signing and all parties spoke highly of him during OTA’s. However I did start to notice that Frankie Luvu and Sonny Styles were becoming the preferred two linebackers. Frankie Luvu needs to return because at the moment Leo Chenal is good against the run but in pass coverage he is not understanding the concepts of the defense.
• NFL Schedule- Washington was 5-12 last season but was given one of the hardest three opening games to start a season that I can remember. Their first home game is no other than the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks who gave Washington one of their worst defeats last season. Coach Dan Quinn and company are going to have to dig deep to find a way to overcome this advesity.

Felix Trammell