NFC East Standings: Washington Commanders Lead Division, Rookie QB Jayden Daniels Continues To Shine

Not many people would have predicted the Washington Commanders would be 4-1 and in first place in the NFC East after five weeks.

After losing in week 1, the Commanders have won four straight, being led by rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. Daniels has led the offense to score 20 or more points in each game and they have scored 34 or more points in three straight games.

After struggling in week 1, the defense has played better for the Commanders in weeks 2-5. They have allowed 18 or fewer points in three of their last four games. Washington struggled on defense against the Bucs and Bengals but performed well against the Giants, Cardinals, and Browns.

Jayden Daniels is having a superb rookie season and is the main reason for Washington’s success thus far.

We break down the Washington Commanders’ offense, defense, and if they can win the NFC East.

Washington Commanders Offensive Breakdown

The Washington Commanders have been one of the biggest surprises this season.

Jayden Daniels has been the best rookie QB by far and has looked very comfortable running the offense. He looks like a veteran already, making excellent plays with his arm and legs.

Daniels has been excellent with pocket awareness.

He is the main reason the Washington Commanders ranking second in points per game, 14th in passing yards per game, and second in rushing yards per game.

Brian Robinson Jr is second in the league in rushing TDs with five and Daniels is right behind him with four rushing TDs. Jeremy McNichols has three rushing TDs on the season.

Daniels and Robinson are both in the top 20 in the league in rushing yards.

Washington’s offense is one of the most exciting offenses in the league to watch and is proving to be very challenging to stop.

Washington Commanders Defensive Breakdown

The defense has played better for the Washington Commanders in weeks 2-5. They allowed 18 or fewer points in three of their last four games. Washington struggled on defense against the Bucs and Bengals but performed well against the Giants, Cardinals, and Browns.

This is a bit concerning as they got lit up against good QBs and offenses but encouraging they were able to perform well against weaker offenses.

They rank 20th in points allowed per game, 13th in passing yards allowed per game, 22nd in rushing yards allowed per game, eighth in sacks per game, and 27th in takeaways per game.

The rankings show the Commanders have an average to less than average defense. They can get pressure on opposing QBs. However, they got lit up against good offenses and QBs.

Luckily for Washington, after their week six contest against Baltimore, their next four games after the Ravens are against the Panthers, Bears, Giants, and Steelers. Those four teams do not have a threatening offense and the defense should hold their own against them.

Still, Washington’s defense will need to improve if the Commanders hope to make a playoff run.

Can The Commanders Win The NFC East?

Jayden Daniels has been sensational in his rookie year. He is the main reason the Commanders rank second in points per game, 14th in passing yards per game, and second in rushing yards per game. The offense has been very challenging for opposing defenses to stop.

The defense on the other hand needs to improve. They have been lit up this season by good QBs and offenses. They can get pressure on QBs but the run defense has been poor and they have a weak secondary.

Washington is first in the division with a 4-1 record. Dallas is 3-2, Philadelphia is 2-2, and the Giants are 2-3.

The NFC East is proving to be a weaker division than anticipated with the Cowboys and Eagles not looking as good as people expected. The Giants are not a threat in the division.

The Washington Commanders can win the division with the way their offense has performed. It will be challenging to win multiple playoff games with the way their defense is playing.