Kliff Kingsbury masterclass sparks Commanders into life without Jayden Daniels

The trepidation around Northwest Stadium was palpable after rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels injured his rib on the opening drive. He's the glue that holds the Washington Commanders' chances of becoming a playoff contender together. It also left many wondering how the offense would function without the new face of the franchise.

As it turned out, fans shouldn't have worried. The Commanders were ruthlessly efficient even without Daniels. Veteran backup quarterback Marcus Mariota had some early jitters against the Carolina Panthers but put together an outstanding performance overall. This also became another masterclass of play-calling efficiency from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

The Commanders hired the right guy when Magic Johnson swooped at the 11th hour to prevent Kingsbury from joining the Las Vegas Raiders. Some in the media criticized the appointment just one year removed from his firing as Arizona Cardinals head coach. It's still relatively early days, but this looks like a tremendous piece of business by the new regime.

Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury turned on the style in Week 7

Kingsbury ran rings around Carolina's defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. He implemented some creative rushing concepts, mixing the power-run game with read options and outside shifts extremely well. The Panthers are under-strength defensively, but it's also worth remembering the Commanders were doing this without Daniels or rookie third-round left tackle Brandon Coleman.

Washington accumulated 421 yards of total offense. They secured 26 first downs. They averaged 6.7 yards per play and mustered an impressive 214 rushing yards. This isn't some fluke, it's down to Kingsbury's composure and ability to adapt no matter the situation.

Daniels was all smiles on the sidelines after the Commanders decided to end his afternoon early. There was no need to put him back out there in this one. They need their star player fresh for the team's upcoming challenges. And make no mistake, they won't be playing a team as bad as the Panthers again in 2024.

The Commanders bounced back in fine style following their competitive defeat at the Baltimore Ravens. They remain atop the NFC East and in the playoff places with the midseason point fast approaching. Perhaps more impressive is the fact they are finding new ways to win. It's a true collective effort and the core fabric of the improved culture in Washington.

Kingsbury's role is an integral one. He's getting a tune out of this offense and speculation is rising about another head coaching chances as a result. Whether it's something that interests the play-caller right now is anyone's guess, but he's relaxed enough to focus on the task at hand and worry about the rest later.

Hopefully, Daniels will be back under center this weekend and the Commanders can extend their remarkable start to the campaign. They're dominating teams that would have made a better fight of things last season. Looking at how things have unfolded up to now, Kingsbury's hire could arguably be Washington's best if the same trend continues.

The Commanders won't be playing the Panthers every week, more's the pity. However, with Kingsbury controlling the offense, they should be a match for almost anybody.

That's a testament to how things have come together much sooner than expected. Long may it continue.

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