Marcus Mariota did what he could
The Washington Commanders weren't planning to have Marcus Mariota on the field all that much this season. Jayden Daniels was back healthy, leaving the veteran free to be an understudy and a leadership presence. But not for the first time over the last couple of years, those plans quickly changed.
Mariota was called into the breach when Daniels got hurt. He did what he could, playing pretty well in difficult circumstances, but he didn't do enough to keep it close. But if Washington's franchise player gets bad news, the onus will be on the Oregon product to keep any momentum going.
Commanders missed Frankie Luvu badly
The Commanders didn't have the benefit of veteran linebacker Frankie Luvu'a's presence, who was ruled out with a groin injury. And his absence was sorely felt by Daronte Jones' defense.
Washington had some glaring pre-snap communication issues. This was also the case when Luvu left the game in Week 1. And even though Sonny Styles has all the talent in the world, asking him to be the green dot on defense in addition to everything else is clearly a stretch right now.
With Leo Chenal underperforming again, the Commanders need Luvu back as soon as possible. He's a key cog and completely indispensable.
Jayden Daniels wasn't the only injury concern
The Commanders faced significant injury problems last season. It's early days, but the same bad luck is happening again, and Washington has to worry about more than just Jayden Daniels.
Left tackle Brandon Coleman left with a finger injury. Defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw, who was questionable with a back issue coming into the game, didn't make it through the contest. Right guard Sam Cosmi was also taken out of the game after taking a hard hit late in the contest.
The team will monitor these situations closely in the coming days. But Daniels' problem is absolutely catastrophic if it's bad.
A disastrous day at the office
Everything that could go wrong did go wrong for the Commanders. And now, they officially have their backs against the wall.
They are 0-2, with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks up next. They may be without Jayden Daniels for the foreseeable future, and any summer optimism has evaporated in the blink of an eye.
Things are unraveling for the Commanders. Head coach Dan Quinn will try to rally his troops, but he must also wonder what he's done to upset the football gods.
This is a time for big characters. Because the Commanders cannot put a foot wrong from here.
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