What does a program win look like in the NFL?
Just watch the Washington Commanders’ 41-24 dominating win over the Las Vegas Raiders and you’ll see what it looks like firsthand.
The Commanders’ front office deserves credit. Adam Peters identified the correct backup quarterback in Marcus Mariota. Mariota stepped in for injured franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels, and Kliff Kingbury’s offense didn’t miss a beat.
Some teams have a roster-filling backup quarterback, the Commanders actually have one that is productive.
Washington got two big plays on special teams. The first being Deebo Samuels taking the opening kickoff back 69 yards, leading to an opening drive touchdown. Then there was Jaylin Lane’s 90-yard punt return for a touchdown.
As if the Commanders needed inspiration, when Dan Quinn was run over on the sidelines and sustained a cut on his face, the blood seemed to give both Quinn and the Commanders an additional boost of energy.
Peters managed to put together a running back room that had enough depth to trade Brian Robinson Jr. and stay productive after Austin Ekeler sustained a season-ending injury.
Jeremy McNichols had the highlight-inducing 60-yard touchdown run, but it was more than that. The running backs were productive enough to keep Kingsbury’s playbook wide-open and produce lanes for Mariota to run.
Terry McLaurin’s 56-yard catch (it was a touchdown despite what the officials ruled) could be a sign that he’s rounding into playing shape.
Washington’s offense seemed uninspired in the first two weeks. Still, the energy emanating throughout Northwest Stadium was more like what the organization and fans had thought it would feel like.
It felt like a winning culture.
