Sunday afternoon the Washington Commanders era officially began. As they kicked off their 2022 NFL season at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was a tail of two half’s for Washington, however with some big time plays from the Commander’s young receivers. They were able to pull it out at the end with a late game scoring drive by Carson Wentz.
The Curtis Samuel Show
From the start of the game it was clear that Washington was going to make a concerted effort getting the ball into Curtis Samuel’s hands. As he went on to have 8 receptions and 4 carries for 72 total yards. Which was a great sight to see for Commander’s fans.
As Samuel’s season last year was riddled by injuries. Which limited him to only playing in six games. So, fans never got a true look at the type of dynamic player he is and the versatility he adds to an offense.
Samuel made sure to put fans on notice that he was back. Making an immediate impact on the game from their opening series. He was targeted three times on the opening drive, going 3-3 for 21 yards. Which he capped off with a 3-yard touchdown for Washington’s first touchdown of the game.
Giving Washington a big momentum boost, which was continued into their second drive of the game. For Samuel it was clear that he was Wentz’ favorite target of the game, as Wentz threw to him for another three targets. Which he was able to catch for 32 yards on the drive.
One of the biggest things that Samuel put on display was the versatility that he adds to Washington’s offense. As he was able to make plays from different spots on the field. Throughout the game Washington placed Samuel at various spots on the field. From having him line up in the slot and also lining him up in the backfield to receive handoffs from Carson Wentz.
Look forward to seeing how Washington continues to use his versatility in their offense. Also, how him and the rest of the Commander’s young receivers continue to feed off of each other.
Commander’s Young Receiver Clutch
It is no secret that Washington’s last two wide receivers they have drafted in both the 2020 and 20201 NFL draft, have been nothing short of a disappointment. However, there was great expectation for Commanders young receiver, Jahan Dotson. Who the Commanders took with the 16th pick in this year’s draft.
Throughout minicamp and OTA’s there was a lot of buzz surrounding the skillset that the rookie was putting on display. Which had a lot of people excited to see him in live action during the preseason. However, Dotson didn’t see a lot of action while out on the field during preseason. So, it left a lot to be desired as to what type of player he can be for this team.
In Sunday’s game against the Jaguars Dotson’s ability was on full display. As he showed why Washington was so high on drafting him with their first pick in the draft. Unfortunately, Dotson wasn’t targeted a lot of times during the game. Going 3-5 for 40 yards. However, he made the most out of every opportunity he had when thrown the ball. Having two out of his three receptions go for touchdowns.
Though, he would get off to a slow start in the beginning of the game. To start off the game Carson Wentz missed him on his first throw of the game. Overthrowing Dotson on an open corner route. Also, on the next drive Washington called a reverse for him that ended in a loss of 10 yards.
Early on in the second quarter Dotson would get his opportunity to show off his play making ability. As Carson Wentz was finally able to connect with him in the red zone; for a 7-yard touchdown. Which gave him both his first career catch and touchdown in the NFL.
Dotson’s biggest plays of the game would come on their last drive of the game. As Washington trailed behind Jacksonville 22-20. Early in the drive he was able to get open on a curl route for a 9-yard gain, to help them continue to move the chains.
The commanders would go on to find themselves in a critical 3rd & 8 with just under two-minutes to go. As Carson Wentz dropped back to pass he would look to his left and hit Dotson on an out and up route for a 24-yard touchdown to put the Commanders ahead 26-22.
While Jahan might not have had eye popping numbers in his first NFL game. He showed that he is going to be a big time play maker for this team moving forward. Also, that he is someone that they can look too in clutch time situations.
Scary Terry Comes Up Big
For Washington’s star number one receiver; Terry McLaurin, Sunday was his first game since signing his big contract extension this offseason. That cemented him as the Commanders top receiver for the years to come.
While this might not have been the statistical game that McLaurin hoped for in Week 1. Going 2-4 for 58 yards. He was still able to put his thumb print on the game; coming up big for them at a crucial point in the game.
For majority of the game McLaurin was kept under control by Jacksonville’s secondary. Only getting a single reception at the beginning of the second quarter for a gain of 9-yards. However, his presence and the big playmaking threat that he is on the field allowed for his teammates to find themselves open to make plays.
Late in the game during crunch time Washington desperately needed someone to make a big play for them. As Jacksonville had went on to score 19 unanswered points to take the lead early on in the 4th quarter. Following back to back horrendous interceptions thrown by Carson Wentz.
McLaurin was able to step up big for the Commanders, ensuing his quiet performance for the first three quarters of the game. On a 1st & 10 from Washington’s 37-yard line McLaurin streaked down the right sideline, and was able to haul in a 49-yard pass for a touchdown. Bringing the Commanders back into the game. Which flipped the momentum back into Washington’s favor.
Ultimately, Washington was able to seal the game in the end with a big-time interception from safety, Darrick Forrest. Giving them the Week 1 win over Jacksonville.
Now the Commanders shift their focus on to their opponent for Week 2. As they head to Detroit to face off against the Lions.
For More Great Football Content
Follow us on Twitter at @GridironHeroics for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Football news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
1 Comment
Looking forward to Samuel’s performance this year! Well written article 👏🏾