SNIDER: Commanders finally cash in with slice of luck

The Washington Commanders learned being lucky isn’t a bad thing.

Washington won its first game without scoring a touchdown since 2009 thanks to newly-signed kicker Austin Seibert, who booted a franchise-record seven field goals in a 21-18 victory over the Giants. Indeed, it was only the sixth Washington victory in 46 years without breaking the end zone.

Conversely, the New York Giants lost their kicker, Graham Gano, on the opening kickoff and couldn’t score an extra point in three tries, while also forsaking field goal attempts in a couple key situations.

So, maybe Washington just cashed in some bad karma from the Dan Snyder era for a strange victory before a full house that was nearly 50/50 among fans. That alone is a win for the new ownership after years of being heavily outnumbered by blue-class fans.

Washington gets a few bounces needed to win their first home game since last year’s opener. Better to be lucky than good because the defense was awful, once again letting Danny “Dimes” Jones nearly beat them. Jones fell to 5-2-1 versus Washington when he’s 17-35-1 against the rest of the NFL.

Mostly, the Commanders learned a few things that are ahead for them this season.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels is a rookie. A very good rookie, but the game’s speed is obviously bothering him. He runs too often while not spotting open receivers. Daniels’ speed and agility is very good, but still causes him to miss opportunities and take too many hits like one that left him gasping. Daniels showed great leadership in the final two minutes when leading the game-winning drive, but there’s plenty more left for improvement.

Brian Robinson really is a prime back. After two years of neglect, Washington rode its running game. Robinson gained a personal-best 133 yards on 17 carries while sidekick Austin Ekeler gained 38 yards on eight carries. He also scored on the opening kickoff return only to be negated by penalty. This is the combination Washington has sought for years.

Indeed, it may be Washington’s path this season as it bolsters the receiving corps in the future. Adding Noah Brown was a solid move before the opener, and his 34-yard reception set up the winning score. But, defenses collapse on Terry McLaurin and Washington hasn’t found a third receiver yet, though tight end Zach Ertz certainly is valuable. Still, it’s the ground game that will help Washington, especially by eating the clock to keep the defense off the field. The Commanders won possession time over the Giants by 15 minutes.

Defensively, Washington may realize its past rush isn’t good enough. One sack is awful. The Commanders didn’t even pressure Jones often while letting him run free for 32 yards on five carries. This from someone who wins one-third of his games otherwise.

Washington’s secondary improved from its opening outing, but safety Jeremy Chinn has not been the big offseason acquisition expected. There were too many coverage breakdowns overall. If New York receiver Malik Nabers doesn’t drop a fourth down pass late, the Giants probably would have won.

Still, enough of the if game for once. It was Washington’s turn to win a close one. Maybe it’s enough to launch the reboot or at least stop the persistent bad karma of the past.