The play looks like the definition of improvisation. It was, in fact, rehearsed over and over. It should have been a loss. It instead encapsulates why the Washington Commanders are so lethal. With the ball in Jayden Daniels’s hands, what looks like a mess can flip to magnificence in a finger snap. Why not be prepared to take advantage of that?
Column by Barry Svrluga
“We’re being extremely intentional with this,” veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin said. “It could be a big weapon for us.”
The play in question — one of a handful Daniels has put on tape that must have defensive coordinators tossing their clipboards and gasping, “What am I supposed to do?” — came in the first quarter of Sunday’s 34-13 dismantling of Cleveland. It did not determine the outcome. It did not lead to a touchdown. It still illustrates why Washington’s offense is more difficult to defend than it has been in eons.
“For us — and I think ‘5’ has proven this — we give him that extra half-tick, and it can mean the world,” right tackle Andrew Wylie said, identifying Daniels by his uniform number. “It can be one of those big, explosive plays.”
