End of the first quarter

Well, this is different.

The Washington Commanders currently have an ultra-efficient offense, a rookie QB who is playing far beyond that expected of a first NFL season and, just as importantly, there are signals that the DEF side of the ball is starting to flicker into life.

For a fanbase who have suffered a more or less double decade of misery, let us embrace the present and the off and on-field excellence that the burgundy & gold are delivering.

Washington went into Arizona on Sunday and dropped an incredible 42 points on the Cardinals for a third win in a row. The OFF under OC Kliff Kingsbury is simply humming right now, with Jayden Daniels connecting across his receiving group and complemented by a trio of RBs who are also getting the job done.

Perhaps the biggest change is the ethos from the coaching staff that “repetition in practice leads to playing faster” is being realised on the field. In fact, the Commanders are now a national media conversation, and a predicted destination for guys which fit into that “NFL star” category.

For this blog, we welcome back Wales Commanders Aled and Scott Hartley of the One Point Safety Show. Along with UKHTTC founder, Christian Burt, they offer up their first quarter of the season MVPs and surprises, both good and less good for the Commanders, plus a predicted season record.

First up, Scott.

Washington MVP through the first four games?

Jayden Daniels - without a shadow of a doubt, Jayden has shown that he is the answer.

Whilst it is still too early to crown him, the last 2 games have proved he has a high IQ can keep the ball away from danger and is a duel threat QB.

I think we’ve finally found the one. For the first time in my lifetime as a Washington fan I feel that we have the answer under centre.

Biggest surprise (pleasant) after the first four games?

WR2 - we went into the offseason thinking who would step up as Wide Receiver 2. It seems week to week that the targets are being given to the entire unit and the ball is being spread throughout the receiving group.

Austin Ekeler has been fantastic and has become more than just a third down back. His returns as well as big runs in the run game has been great to see. A lot of fans thought he was washed but it seems a renaissance for Austin is happening here in Washington.

Who has not been getting it done after the first four games?

The cornerbacks have been horrible to say the least we all knew that if the opposing team has a high-powered Wide Receiver that our group would not be able to handle the pressure.

Has the tide turned, however, after the promising Cardinals game for the DEF, we will wait to find out.

Season prediction?

At the start of the season, I went with 7-8 wins and I think it might be a tick higher than that after the way the offence has played over the last 2 games - I’m going with 9 wins and a potential wild card spot.

Next up, Christian.

MVP through the first four?

Plenty of candidates here, but it just has to be rookie QB Jayden Daniels.

The off-season buzz was that of a kid who was extremely hard-working, intelligent and accurate with the football.

This has all clearly been evident through the first four of the season and has been ramped up given the victories vs the Bengals and Cardinals.

He seems to have the leadership and football IQ of an Alex Smith combined with a sprinkle of Randell Cunningham. And there is more to come.

Might NFL DCs start to better plan with more Daniels tape to watch? Well, yes, of course. But I tell you now, the kid will only grow and elevate throughout 2024 and beyond.

Biggest surprise (pleasant) after the first four?

The OL unit on paper was viewed as middling at best.

However, under Bobby Johnson, the group have played beyond the sum of their parts. The interior of Nick Allegretti, Tyler Biadasz and Sam Cosmi have been solid, and the signs are also there that the Commanders might have hit in the draft with the third-round pick of Brandon Coleman at LT.

Coleman had an outstanding college year in 2022 and a dip, due to playing through injury, in 2023. It seems the former TCU guy is the real deal and could save Washington making LT a need/reach in the 2025 draft.

Who has not been getting it done after the first four?

With the DEF starting to show positive signs, I will go for a WR in burgundy & gold.

Maybe he just has not been targeted enough or maybe he just isn’t getting open. But right now, Dyami Brown has just 37 receiving yards across the first four games.

If GM Adam Peters did make a move for a WR (i.e. Adams of the Raiders) you can at least understand it given Brown’s lack of production. Personally I would wait for Tee Higgins in 2025 and just outbid all others in FA.

Season prediction?

It still seems alien to be going into Commanders games and expecting wins. We have been conditioned for so long to be non-contenders in the NFL that it takes some getting used to.

With Jayden under centre: everything is possible, so I shall be brave and say 10 wins and a post-season appearance.

And finally, thoughts from Aled.

MVP through the first four?

It’s got to be Jayden Daniels for me.

His completion percentage of 82.1% through his first four games is an NFL record. If he carries on like this, the sky is the limit.

Biggest surprise (pleasant) after the first four?

The much-improved defence definitely after the last win.

They have got more noteworthy with each passing game and seem to be trying to play, and starting to succeed, as a cohesive DEF unit.

Who has not been getting it done after the first four?

The DT duo of Jon Allen and Daron Payne I would say.

Even though the defence has seen a major improvement I think these 2 players could go up another couple of gears to really get the defensive side of the ball ticking.

Season prediction?

I started the season thinking we would get 7 wins (with my head) 8 wins (with my heart.)

I think I have to change my prediction and stick with my romantic feelings for the team and say 10 wins. So a record of 10-7