5 biggest Commanders surprises through the first quarter of 2024 season

Commanders have a kicker

The Washington Commanders released Brandon McManus just a few short weeks after signing him due to off-the-field allegations. This resulted in a constant stream of failed additions to the kicking position that left many fans concerned this could be a complication that holds them back during the regular season.

Cade York's wayward effort in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers meant the Commanders had no choice but to cut him loose and get their seventh-round pick back from the Cleveland Browns. Austin Seibert was acquired to replace him. The returns were immediate.

Seibert's been a revelation since joining the Commanders. He made an instant impression by hitting a franchise-record seven field goals - including a walk-off game-winner - against the New York Giants. The former Oklahoma standout hit all three of his field goal attempts during victories over the Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals to further raise confidence in his long-term outlook.

Just when all hope seemed lost, the Commanders could have something in Seibert. The life of a kicker is often precarious, but one cannot be anything other than thrilled by the way he's applied himself so far.

Commanders offensive efficiency

The Commanders made a concerted effort to get Kliff Kingsbury into the fold this offseason. It looked for a long time as if the respected coach would be joining the Las Vegas Raiders, but an intervention from Magic Johnson coupled with a three-year deal was enough to make him Washington's offensive coordinator.

It's only been four games and there is a long way to go, but this already looks like a tremendous piece of business by the Commanders. Kingsbury kept things relatively simple to ease rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels into the starting job over the first two games. Once he was almost goaded into opening things up by Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, this unit became a relentless scoring force.

Kingsbury's play-calling has been exceptional so far. The Commanders are on a historic trajectory, punting just once in their last three games. It's an astonishing run of form that vindicates Washington's decision to swoop in at the 11th hour to secure the former Arizona Cardinals head coach.

How long Kingsbury will be around is anyone's guess. Head coaching interest will be coming if he keeps this offense humming throughout the campaign. What's important for the Commanders is maximizing his presence while they can.