2 weeks Ago
"The standard is the standard.'' Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.'s words this week leading up the hosting of the New York Giants in Sunday's Week 2 matchup really shouldn't qualify as "bold.
'' More than an empty bumper-sticker cliche? Yes. But some dramatic call to action of improvement? Nah. The problem? New head coach Dan Quinn and Whitt and the rest of this new-edition of the Commanders simply aren't good enough yet to reach "the standard.
'' Any "standard.'' So ..
. they have to get help from wherever it comes ..
. Enter Austin Seibert. The Commanders found a way to win at the buzzer here, 21-18, when Seibert - for one day, anyway, the perfect answer to Washington's long-standing kicking woes - converted on a stunning total of seven field goals .
.. Meaning rookie QB Jayden Daniels just won his first-ever NFL game without ever pushing his team into the end zone.
That's not "standard.'' But it'll do. Related: Kliff Kingsbury Facing Backlash Over Recent Jayden Daniels Admission The Giants offense led by quarterback Daniel Jones was actually sort of potent here; rookie receiver Malik Nabers, Daniels' buddy, had 10 catches for 127 yards and his first NFL TD.
But Daniels was effective in his way, too, going 23 of 29 for 226 yards and also running for 44 yards on 10 carries. The good news for the 1-1 Commanders? They may have found a kicker ..
. and the QB is on the road to being even better..
