Commanders at Jets: 3 sneaky truths about Jayden Daniels' touchdown drive that could lead to big things in 2024

Well, Jayden Daniels' first NFL action went about as good as it can go.

Daniels led the Washington Commanders offense on an 11-play, 70-yard touchdown drive that took 6:21 off the clock and drew first blood against the New York Jets on Saturday. The biggest takeaway is the fact the Commanders don't score that touchdown without Daniels. He was responsible for two key plays, a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown and the three-yard touchdown scramble, that put the first six points of the 2024 season on the board.

But, there were three sneaky factors that played huge roles, as well. And, if the Commanders can consistently sustain said factors throughout the regular season, then this team will surprise a lot of people. So, without wasting any more time, let's discuss.

1. The Commanders offensive line held its own for the most part

This is the easily the most important development, outside of what Daniels did, of the touchdown drive. Especially when considering the recent injury problems the offensive line has been experiencing, as of late.

Overall, the unit held its own. There were certainly mistakes: Daniels was feeling a bit of pressure on the 3rd and 6 completion to Brown, Brian Robinson got stood up on a key 1st and goal, and then Nick Allegretti committed a false start after that that pushed the ball back from the NYJ3 to the NYJ8. As a whole, though, the front five played pretty well.

Regardless of whether or not the Jets were playing all of their starters is moot. Outside Sam Cosmi and Tyler Biadasz, the Commanders offensive line was a question mark, especially at tackle, coming into the game. It still remains to be seen just how effective the unit is in both the preseason and the regular season, but Saturday is a very promising sign because if Daniels can stay upright then this offense should be pretty good.

2. Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler ran hard and the Commanders produced an effective ground game

BRob looked great on Saturday, breaking tackles and running hard. He was stymied on the aforementioned first and goal, but finished the day with five carries for 20-yards that included a long of seven yards. He didn't log a negative run on any of the five carries.

The offensive line also did a good job of opening holes, allowing Robinson to get a good head of steam as he took on the Jets' front seven. Austin Ekeler also had two very good runs once the Commanders entered the red zone. He converted a key 3rd and 3 from the NYJ5 thanks to a tough second effort and then he was able to get the offense back to the original line of scrimmage after Allegretti's false start. Placing the offense in a manageable 3rd and 3 allowed Kliff Kingsbury to open up the playbook and call the zone read that led to Daniels' touchdown. He doesn't call that play from the NYJ8, which is where the false start placed the offense.

Including the zone read, the Commanders ran the ball eight times and passed it three times. If the Commanders' rushing attack can do what it did on Saturday, then Daniels is going to have what every rookie wants in an effective ground game. That will lead to less pressure on his shoulders, more playcalling opportunities for Kingsbury, and more responsibilities for opposing defense.

It'll easily represent a win-win-win for the Daniels and the Commanders offense.

3. Intentional coaching is already bearing fruit

On the first day of training camp, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn put a lot of emphasis on red zone work . That paid off on Saturday when Daniels and the offense punched it into the end zone after entering the Jets 20.

"Things happen much more quickly [in the red zone], you know, the route, the field, the locations, where it goes," Quinn said . "So, seeing that type of communication early, we thought that would be a good way to go... It's such an important part of what we do. We didn't want to wait."

Now, this is two points wrapped up into one: Not only did the intentional red zone work lead to success, but Kingsbury was on point calling the zone read and using Daniels' legs. The LSU Tigers boasted the ninth-highest touchdown conversion rate (75.38%) in the country last year and that number also led the SEC. The Tigers' 49 touchdowns inside an opponent's 20-yard-line tied for fourth-most, as well.

Daniels obviously spearheaded that as the Tigers quarterback and his experience scoring touchdowns instead of settling for field goals is something the Commanders need to take advantage of, which is what they did.

The key, though, is the zone read. That, along with coming out in 10 personnel on the 3rd and 6 that led to the big Brown catch shows Kingsbury wants to use Daniels' legs and his explosive running ability and he's going to deploy it in advantageous situations.

Coming out in 10 personnel, when including Daniels' running ability, is a nightmare for a defense. The Commanders offense is already stretching and stressing the Jets defense, enough, in this situation, and Daniels' legs makes it all the more worrisome.

That's going to be a major weapon for the Commanders, moving forward, so it's good to see they're willing to lean into it. Now, Daniels just needs to avoid taking unnecessary hits and things should be in a good spot.

It's always good to see a coaching staff playing to utilizing its players' strengths instead of trying to put them in difficult spots. Quinn and co. have certainly preached the former since they arrived and their actions are backing up their words.

Overall, these are three very good developments that helped produced Daniels' touchdown. If the Commanders can do all of this, consistently, in 2024 then big things will happen. No one is saying a Super Bowl victory, by any means, but sneaking into the playoffs and even winning a game is certainly a possibility. Even if there is still a long way to go.