From The Banner · Kevin Reynolds · · 2m
The Commanders' new offense didn't show up in Philly
Washington spent the offseason selling a dynamic offense, then lost 24-22 on a trick play that never had a chance.
In brief
Washington spent the offseason selling a dynamic offense, then lost 24-22 on a trick play that never had a chance. Washington's defense played a winning game. The offense left just enough on the table to lose by two. Originally reported by The Banner.
A heist that failed
Down two with a 2-point try to tie, Dan Quinn approved a delayed shuffle pass meant to pull Jalen Carter wide and open the middle for tight end John Bates.
“From a play call, it is an effective one”
Carter never bit
He blew up his blocks at the snap. Philadelphia's front was waiting for Bates instead of chasing Daniels, and the trick walked the tight end straight into traffic.
“I did everything in my power to try to get there but didn't get it done”
Lost 24-22
The failed conversion ended Washington's opener at Lincoln Financial Field. Quinn called it one visible mistake in a day stacked with them.
“There were other miscues in this game. It just so happens [the 2-point conversion] is the one we see.”
The superpower misfired
Quinn spent the offseason calling Jayden Daniels' accuracy his superpower. Daniels opened the game by throwing so low to a wide-open Terry McLaurin that the receiver barely got a hand on it.
Nine targets, four targets, six catches
Daniels threw at Stefon Diggs nine times and McLaurin four. Between the two top targets, that produced six receptions all afternoon.
“Him and I could have connected a little better. I got to be better.”
Stalling all day
Daniels didn't pass 100 yards until early in the fourth quarter. McLaurin's first catch came on the second-to-last drive. Final line: 18-of-34, 164 yards, two touchdowns.
The defense carried it
Washington held Saquon Barkley under 100 yards and stumped Jalen Hurts, keeping a one-score game alive while Quinn begged his offense for something.
A goal post cost two points
Diggs capped a 67-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown catch, then ran into the goal post celebrating. The unsportsmanlike flag wiped out Washington's chance to go for two right there.
“We finally hit one, and I got a little excited. Of course, I'll take full accountability.”
Signs worth keeping
Daniels nearly tied it with a minute left, hitting rookie Antonio Williams to set up the try. He also threw the ball away early and often instead of absorbing hits like he did in 2025.
“It was good to have him back. There is going to be a lot of what we can teach off of.”
Little stuff that adds up
Quinn waved off long-term worry, calling it a debut in a new scheme. Lineman Brandon Coleman framed the week more bluntly, and it cost a divisional game.
“A lot of s, t that we left on the table. Just little stuff that adds up.”
The short version
Washington's defense played a winning game. The offense left just enough on the table to lose by two.
