Key numbers from the Commanders’ thrilling Week 1 victory

When the Washington Commanders brought in Carson Wentz, the common thread was he makes some amazing throws that most quarterbacks can’t make, mixed with some very questionable decisions. Well, if Week 1 is a preview of what’s to come this season, buckle up Commanders fans. Welcome to the Carson Wentz experience!

Washington won 28-22, in its first official game as the Commanders, overcoming a slew of turnovers, mistakes, and 19 straight points by the Jaguars.

After opening with two straight touchdown drives and entering halftime with a 14-3 lead, there was excitement in the air. Then, the second half happened. Wentz threw back-to-back interceptions that led to 10 points for the Jaguars. That’s when the frustration kicked in. But, where teams in years past would have faltered and withered away, this team prevailed.

Wentz led two straight touchdown drives to put the game away. And, then, Darrick Forest, who had a huge game, picked off a Trevor Lawrence pass to put the cherry on top.

Let’s get into Week 1 by the numbers.

Key numbers from Commanders Week 1 win

The Highs: Commanders show off arsenal of offensive weapons

4: Carson Wentz threw four touchdowns for the first time since 2017. Even more, this was the first time a Washington quarterback has thrown four touchdowns in an opening game since Billy Kilmer in 1975.

1991: The last time Washington scored touchdowns on their first two drives to open a season was in 1991. That team finished the season 14-2 and went on to win the Super Bowl. Could this be the year?

25%: Although the defense didn’t play amazingly by any regard, they did improve in some of the facets they previously struggled with. After having the second-worst third-down defense last season, they held the Jaguars to 3/12 (25%) on third downs in Week 1.

3: Washington scored 28 points today, after only getting 28+ points three times last season. This offense has the potential to be special.

72: In just one game, Curtis Samuel has more all-purpose yards than he had all of last season! (72 vs. 38). He also had more receptions in the game than all of last season. This is what we have all been waiting for and he definitely flashed his potential.

130: Maybe drafting Brian Robinson has helped Antonio Gibson after all. Instead of force-feeding him the rock, Scott Turner found ways to move Gibson around where he could best utilize his speed. He had receptions of 26 and 25 yards and rushes of 13 and 11 yards, finishing with 130 total yards.

2-5: The bend-but-don’t-break Washington defense held Jacksonville to 2-for-5 in the red zone with a missed field goal and turnover on downs. Darrick Forrest’s big hit on Travis Etienne saved a would-be touchdown. Forrest also had the game-clinching interception and was a full-blown stud for the week.

1st: Jahan Dotson had two touchdowns, including the one that put Washington ahead for good. He becomes the first rookie in franchise history to record two-plus receiving touchdowns in a Week 1 contest. Not only that but the four receivers drafted before him combined for a grand total of 0 touchdowns in Week 1. Welcome to the league, young man.

The Lows: Defensive issues continue to linger for Washington

0: Outside of the four touchdown drives (not including the short series before the end of the half and end of the game), Washington only managed 26 plays for 100 yards and 0 points. Those six drives ended as follows: Punt, Fumble, Punt, Punt, Interception, Interception. That’s not a good way to end the 1st half and kick off the 2nd half of any game.

9: The Commanders allowed Jacksonville to go on a 7-play 60-yard drive and a 6-play 80-yard drive to its opening drive of each half, leading to 9 points. That’s something that will need to be corrected to win games against better teams.

-2: Washington had a –2 turnover differential in Week 1, with Curtis Samuel losing a fumble late in the first half with the Commanders having an opportunity to put the game away. Then, in the second half, Wentz threw interceptions on back-to-back plays, which played a huge part in the Jaguars’ run of 19 unanswered points.

7: This is an unofficial calculation but there were at least seven passes where Wentz missed his receiver high that left points on the board. He had missed a wide-open Dotson and Logan Thomas.

26: Kendall Fuller did not have a great game. He had back-to-back penalties in the 2nd quarter that gave Jacksonville 26 yards, two first downs, and wiped out a Jamin Davis sack. He also gave up a 49-yard reception to Christian Kirk.

8: After struggling with giving up big plays last year, the trend continued for the Commanders in Week 1. Washington allowed Jacksonville to have 5 rushes over 10 yards and 3 pass plays over 20 yards in the game for 8 big plays.

9: For over 50 minutes, Terry McLaurin only had three targets and one catch for nine yards. That’s less than one target per quarter. That’s unacceptable! You need to force the ball to your best player because he will make things happen. With 9:36 left in the game, he did just that, hauling in a 49-yard touchdown reception to bring Washington within two.

Washington fans left FedEx Field with something they haven’t felt in so long…hope. Hope that this team is ready to turn it around. Let’s see if the team can continue its hot start against Detroit next week.