The Washington Commanders offense came back to life in their 41-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Washington’s start to the game began with a 69-yard kickoff return from Deebo Samuel. The Commanders scored on four of their first six possessions of the game, but the two non-scoring drives ended with a missed 37-yard field goal and a Marcus Mariota fumble at the Raiders’ 27-yard line. Washington potentially could have scored on every drive in the first half otherwise.
60 of the Commanders’ 174 first-half
rushing yards came off the back of an outstanding Jeremy McNichols run after the Raiders tied the game at 10-10. Washington finished the day on the ground, averaging 6.3 yards per carry, rushing for 201 yards on 32 carries. In the passing game, the explosive plays continued. Terry McLaurin finished the day with 74 receiving yards off the back of a 56-yard catch. Second-year receiver Luke McCaffrey scored on a 43-yard catch and run to seal the game late in the fourth quarter.
It wasn’t just the offense, either; the explosive plays came in their special teams’ phase, too. Along with the Samuel kickoff return, rookie receiver Jaylin Lane put his name on the map with an electric 90-yard punt return. McCaffrey had an opportunity on a kickoff return to potentially make another big play, but tripped as he began to cut upfield.
It was the type of game that Washington needed in two phases of the game, and while the defense had its bright spots on occasion, it came at the cost of more injury concerns.
What are your thoughts on Washington’s week three performance against the Raiders?
You can listen to the full Trap or Dive post-game recap below. We discussed:
- OC Kliff Kingsbury and offensive line make a statement in run game
- Injuries continue to mount; Will Harris out indefinitely and Terry McLaurin injures quad
- A big day for Washington’s pass rush; still, no defensive turnovers?
- Right time to bench Brandon Coleman?
- Marcus Mariota continues to shine in spot duty
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