Commanders might have found exactly what they needed at the perfect time

After a rocky start against the Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders wide receiver Jaylin Lane turned what could have been a forgettable afternoon into a performance that shows he deserves more opportunities to get the ball in his hands.

Lane had every reason to hang his head early. The rookie, who has only gotten limited chances in the receiving game, dropped a would-be touchdown that would have given Washington a 14-3 lead.

Matt Gay missed the ensuing 37-yard field goal. After the Commanders' offense fumbled on the previous possession, the mistakes were giving the Raiders every opportunity to take advantage.

A 25-yard punt return by Lane was later wiped out by a holding penalty. It seemed like the Commanders were continuing to kick themselves in the foot, as they had done in a penalty-ridden Week 1 victory over the New York Giants.

Jaylin Lane's dynamism is something the Commanders must involve more on offense

Then came Lane's moment to shine. After the Commanders' offense came out flat to start the second half, the fourth-round pick helped slip the script.

He fielded a punt at the 10-yard line, found a crease, hit a few juke moves to escape the outstretched hands of Raiders defenders, and then turned on the jets for a 90-yard touchdown return.

Not only did he tie the biggest play around the league so far, but he became the first Washington rookie to return a punt for a score since Desmond Howard did it 33 years ago.

The Commanders never looked back. On their very next possession, Terry McLaurin hauled in a 56-yard bomb that set up Jacory Croskey-Merritt's one-yard scamper into the end zone, effectively burying the Raiders.

Lane's return was reminiscent of what he said was one of the most significant moments of his young football career so far.

Last year at Virginia Tech, the Hokies were struggling to pull away from Marshall. They accumulated only 51 total yards of offense throughout the first quarter, with a turnover on downs and three straight punts.

Lane fielded the punt and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown to end the first quarter. They would go on to win the game.

After his return against the Raiders, Lane once again gave the credit to his teammates, appreciating their blocking and confidence in his capabilities.

"All I told them was I just needed one lane and I’d make the rest happen, and that’s what they did for me."

Jaylin Lane

For the Commanders, Lane's growth couldn't have come at a better time. With Noah Brown banged up, the passing game needs some consistency behind McLaurin.

So far, his role as a receiver has been limited —three catches for 11 receiving yards — but his talent is undeniable. Washington needs to scheme up more ways to get Lane in space, because his speed and vision are capable of changing the momentum of any game.

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