Commanders: NFC East power rankings after Week 1

2. Washington Commanders

The Commanders fall just short of the No. 1 spot after the first week. Nothing wrong with taking second-place, though. While they won in thrilling fashion, the Jaguars left a ton of points on the field. Trevor Lawrence missed at least two walk-in touchdowns and Travis Etienne dropped a surefire score deep in the red zone.

This game could’ve easily gone differently for Washington.

But it didn’t and they showed a boatload of potential. The team’s receiving corps accounted for all four touchdowns and Carson Wentz, though his turnovers were infuriating and allowed the Jaguars back into the game, showed exactly why he was acquired this offseason; to expand the offense.

I do, however, have reservations about the Commanders’ defense. As we noted, Jacksonville left a ton of points on the field and Christian Kirk and Zay Jones (!) ran rampant in Washington’s secondary to the tune of 12 catches for 182 yards and Jaguars rushers averaged over six yards per carry in the game.

The defense came up with big plays when it needed to, but it needs to be more consistent throughout games as we get deeper into the season before I can slot the Commanders above the No. 1 team in these power rankings.