Commanders' third-down efficiency
As previously stated, the Washington Commanders finally started to put things together halfway through the second quarter at the Denver Broncos. Eric Bieniemy and Sam Howell led the charge on offense, with the quarterback making some impressive throws in critical moments to put up the points needed.
Washington has playmakers everywhere you look and they now have a play-caller capable of putting everyone in the best positions. In Howell, the Commanders also seem to have a quarterback for the long-term at last.
There was a lot to like about the Commanders' performance on offense. However, one particular statistic represents a concern and something that must improve in no uncertain terms before Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills.
The Commanders converted just 33.33 percent of their third-down opportunities at the Broncos. This puts them at 31.81% for the season through two games, which simply isn't good enough if Washington wants to be considered among the postseason hopefuls.
Of course, this should increase given Howell's emerging confidence and once Bienimy becomes fully adjusted to his newfound responsibilities. If the Commanders become a more effective third-down outfit and less reliant on their defense to bail them out, it might just be the missing piece of the puzzle.
And that would be a problem for almost anybody within the NFC.