Two points from overtime

Washington hung around in the season opener in Philadelphia but lost 24-22. Its offensive problems were finally too big to climb out of.

“Washington held in as long as it could in the season opener.”

The passing game stalled

The Commanders did not clear 100 passing yards until early in the fourth quarter. Terry McLaurin, their best receiver, caught two balls all day.

One play from a tie

Daniels found rookie Antonio Williams for a 1-yard touchdown with a minute left. Philadelphia then smothered a shuffle pass to tight end John Bates on the 2-point try.

“the Eagles shut down a shuffle pass to tight end John Bates, ending the upset bid”

A rushed, off target start

Dan Quinn spent the offseason selling Daniels' accuracy. On the opening snap he missed a wide open McLaurin low and away, then underthrew Stefon Diggs on a third down.

“Quinn called it Daniels’ superpower.”

Hurts set the pace

Daniels opened 3-of-9 for 19 yards. Jalen Hurts started 5-of-9 for 91 and a touchdown. Already short on talent, Washington needed an edge at quarterback and did not get one.

Daniels finds it late

He hit Diggs over the middle for a 10-yard score to cap a nine-play, 67-yard drive, then led 12 plays to the Williams touchdown. Final line: 18-of-34, 164 yards.

“McLaurin was supposed to be Daniels’ security blanket.”

Jones delivered the blueprint

New coordinator Daronte Jones played zone on more than 80% of snaps and blitzed on more than 35%. Exactly the aggressive mix he promised in the spring.

“That’s above league average, which is what you’d expect from the Brian Flores-style defense Jones installed.”

Wicks exposed Mike Sainristil

Hurts targeted the veteran corner twice, the same way both times. Sainristil stopped in his zone drop and gave up a 64-yard corner route, then hesitated again in man coverage in the end zone.

“It was an easy 9-yard touchdown.”