The Washington Commanders fell to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4, dropping their record to 2-2 on the season. They've won both of their home games and lost both of their road matchups.
It was the defense that doomed the Commanders in the loss, giving up 34 points to a team that was shut out in Week 3 and never even crossed the opposing 30-yard line. Bijan Robinson racked up 181 yards of total offense. Drake London had eight catches for 110 receiving yards and a touchdown. Even much-maligned tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. went for 70 receiving yards and a score on five receptions.
Washington's depleted offense, led for the second consecutive week by quarterback Marcus Mariota, was able to move the ball down the field. But it was still the type of game you have to think the Commanders could've found a way to win with a healthy Jayden Daniels.
Commanders could have used Jayden Daniels' electrifying capabilities in Week 4
In case anyone thought the Commanders could keep rolling along without Daniels, that idea was put to rest against the Falcons. Even though Mariota wasn't the reason Washington lost, he certainly could have fared better than his line of 156 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
The pick, in particular, was a killer.
While trailing by 11, Washington had driven into Falcons territory with a chance to get back within one possession. Mariota then overthrew Jaylin Lane on a deep shot into the end zone and was picked off by rookie safety Xavier Watts. To add insult to injury, an illegal shift was called on the Commanders.
Had the Commanders scored a touchdown on that drive, it's anyone's game. This was a contest where Washington was perpetually chasing a one-or two-score deficit and needed to capitalize on every possession. The key defensive stop never came, aside from a Mike Sainristil interception immediately after Mariota's pick, which the road team was only able to convert into three points.
It's possible that Washington would have still lost even with Daniels under center. But this was the type of game that the quarterback needed to take over, as the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year did many times over for the Commanders last season.
All signs have indicated that Daniels has a good chance to return in Week 5, as the Commanders stay on the road to visit the Los Angeles Chargers. They can't afford to be without their star signal-caller again.