Tag: Washington Commanders

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NFL (American Football)

Daniels and the Commanders will face Penix and the Falcons in a prime-time matchup with playoff hopes

Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels (NFL)

Jayden Daniels and Michael Penix Jr. went through the NFL draft process together and are now two of the five quarterbacks selected in the top 10.

Daniels was picked second by the Washington Commanders and has been their starter all season, becoming one of football’s breakout stars. Penix, taken eighth in a surprising move that coach Raheem Morris joked “shocked the world,” started behind Kirk Cousins until last week, when he took over and made his first pro start.

On Sunday night, they will face each other in the league’s first prime-time game between rookie QBs drafted in the first round, and the game is very important with playoff chances on the line.

“I’m happy for him — he waited his time,” Daniels said about Penix. “He’s a phenomenal player in my eyes, and I’m excited to be able to match up against him.”

Daniels and the Commanders (10-5) will make the playoffs with a win. They could even be in before the game starts if Tampa Bay loses to Carolina, though the Buccaneers are 8-point favorites.

Washington is favored by 4 against the Falcons (8-7), who are competing with the Bucs for the NFC South title and a home playoff game. The Falcons are also fighting for a wild-card spot in the playoffs alongside the Commanders and others.

Michael Penix Jr. heads back after the game

“The reality is that you fight, you fight, you fight and you put yourself in a position to go out there and win your division,” Penix said. “You put yourself in a chance to get yourself to qualify for extra play. We’re right in the mix of doing that, and we’ve got to go do it and finish.”

Daniels, who threw five touchdown passes last week to beat Philadelphia and end their 10-game winning streak, is the clear favorite to win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Penix completed 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards in a big win over the New York Giants, which also included two touchdowns from Atlanta’s defense and two rushing touchdowns from running back Bijan Robinson.

“I was really pleased with his composure, his poise, his ability to click through progressions,” Morris said. “Realistically, it was a pretty clean game at the quarterback position. I’m very pleased with what he did and how he did it and the support that he had around him.”

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NFL (American Football)

Eagles Aim for NFC East Title and No. 2 Seed as NFC Playoff Race Heats Up

Eagles Aim for NFC East Title and No. 2 Seed as NFC Playoff Race Heats Up
Eagles Aim for NFC East Title and No. 2 Seed as NFC Playoff Race Heats Up

The Eagles’ playoff situation heading into their Week 16 game against the Washington Commanders is clear for the NFC East and No. 2 seed in the playoffs. A victory would secure both the NFC East title and the No. 2 playoff seed for Philadelphia. However, the race for the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed remains complicated. The Eagles, along with the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, are tied with a 12-2 record. However, the Eagles would lose tiebreakers against both teams: the Lions would have a better conference record, and the Vikings would likely edge out Philly due to a stronger strength of victory. Thus, the Eagles must finish the season with at least one more win than either Detroit or Minnesota to have a realistic shot at the top playoff seed.

The good news for the Eagles is that Detroit and Minnesota will face off in Week 18, which guarantees one of those teams will suffer a loss. Detroit plays the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers in the next two weeks, while Minnesota faces the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers. For the Eagles to take the No. 1 spot, they will need to win their final games and hope that Detroit or Minnesota falters.

In the NFC East standings, the Washington Commanders still have an outside chance of overtaking the Eagles for the division title. To do so, the Commanders would need to beat the Eagles and then win their final two games against the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys. Additionally, they would require the Eagles to lose their final two games. If the Commanders win, they could also secure a playoff spot if the Falcons lose and either the Los Angeles Rams or Seattle Seahawks also lose.

Eagles Aim for NFC East Title and No. 2 Seed as NFC Playoff Race Heats Up
Eagles Aim for NFC East Title and No. 2 Seed as NFC Playoff Race Heats Up

Dallas still has an unlikely shot at the playoffs, but it would need to win its final three games, including a victory over the Eagles, while hoping that the Commanders lose out. A loss by either the Cowboys or the Eagles would eliminate Dallas from playoff contention. As a result, the Eagles’ game against Washington will have major implications for both teams, as well as the playoff race for Dallas.

The rest of the NFC playoff picture is also tightening up. The Lions are in control of the NFC’s top seed for now but could fall as low as the No. 7 seed if they lose all three of their remaining games. The Packers need a win against the Saints and some help to clinch a playoff berth. Meanwhile, the 49ers have a slim chance of making the playoffs after a disappointing season following their Super Bowl appearance.

NFC Playoff Picture Summary

Team Record Status Key Notes
Eagles 12-2 Clinch NFC East & No. 2 Seed Must win to secure NFC East and No. 2 seed, need to outperform Lions/Vikings
Lions 12-2 Current No. 1 Seed Must avoid losing all final games, including Week 18 against the Vikings
Vikings 12-2 In the hunt for No. 1 Seed Could edge out Eagles with better strength of victory
Commanders 9-5 Outside chance to win NFC East Must win against Eagles, Falcons, and Cowboys, plus Eagles losses
Cowboys 6-8 Elimination possible Must win all 3 games and hope for Commanders’ losses to stay alive
Packers 10-4 Possible Playoff Berth Needs a win against the Saints and some help (Falcons, Rams, or Seahawks losses)
49ers 6-8 Slim chance of making playoffs Needs a strong finish, likely missing playoffs after the Super Bowl loss
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NFL (American Football)

Mac Jones Takes Responsibility for Patriots’ Loss to Commanders Amid Growing Scrutiny

Mac Jones Takes Responsibility for Patriots' Loss to Commanders Amid Growing Scrutiny
Mac Jones Takes Responsibility for Patriots' Loss to Commanders Amid Growing Scrutiny

Mac Jones, the New England Patriots’ quarterback, became the focal point of criticism following the team’s 20-17 loss to the Washington Commanders. His late-game interception, which came while attempting to connect with JuJu Smith-Schuster, sealed the defeat and was a key moment in the loss. Jones’ pass slipped through Smith-Schuster’s hands, landing in the arms of Commanders’ defender Jartavius Martin. Despite the mistake, Jones took full responsibility for the loss, acknowledging that there were no excuses for his performance.

In the aftermath, Jones reiterated his commitment to the team and its standards. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome, stressing the need for both himself and the team to execute better. While the interception was the final blow, Jones remained focused on the bigger picture, recognizing that every player, including himself, must continuously strive to improve and meet the expectations of the franchise.

Mac Jones Takes Responsibility for Patriots' Loss to Commanders Amid Growing Scrutiny
Mac Jones Takes Responsibility for Patriots’ Loss to Commanders Amid Growing Scrutiny

Despite the interception, Jones was not the sole problem in the game. New England’s struggles were exacerbated by issues on defense and special teams, which left the offense starting each drive from its own 25-yard line or worse in the second half. Jones did his best with the limited opportunities he had, including a strong throw to Jalen Reagor late in the third quarter that could have set the team up for a scoring chance, only for Reagor to drop the pass. This was one of several missed opportunities for the Patriots during the game.

Jones also recognized his own shortcomings, admitting that he missed several open targets throughout the game. Despite the mounting pressure and the mounting scrutiny of his role as the Patriots’ quarterback, he remained steadfast in his approach. He stressed the importance of maintaining confidence and putting in the necessary work, regardless of the results. Jones’ resilience is notable, as he committed to continuously improving, with no regrets about his effort.

As the Patriots’ season continues to spiral, Jones is left with eight more games to prove whether he can be the long-term solution at quarterback. His future in New England remains uncertain, with his performance being scrutinized as the team struggles to find success. In the face of adversity, Jones is determined to keep working hard, hoping that his efforts will eventually lead to better results for both himself and the Patriots.

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Football (Premier League)

Jayden Daniels Shines As Commanders Secure A Stunning Victory Against Eagles

Jayden Daniels (Photo: NFL)

Jayden Daniels may have effectively clinched the Rookie of the Year award with his latest performance.

The Washington Commanders quarterback orchestrated a game-winning drive with just six seconds remaining to secure a thrilling 36-33 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, further cementing his historic rookie campaign.

The second overall pick in the draft is enjoying one of the most remarkable rookie seasons in NFL history.

Trailing by five points and with under two minutes left on the clock, Daniels led the Commanders on a nine-play, 57-yard drive.

He connected with wide receiver Jamison Crowder for a nine-yard touchdown pass in the end zone, putting Washington ahead. A successful two-point conversion followed, sealing the win in dramatic fashion.

Daniels is the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw five touchdown passes in a single game, becoming just the sixth player overall to achieve this feat. But his record-breaking accomplishments didn’t stop there.

In addition to his five touchdown passes, Daniels set another historic mark by throwing four passing touchdowns in the final 30 seconds of regulation and overtime, the most by any player in a single season since the NFL merger.

This has truly been a season for the ages in Landover, Maryland.

For a franchise that has long struggled with consistent quarterback play, Daniels has been nothing short of sensational.

Under his leadership, the Commanders are on the verge of their first playoff appearance since 2020, with their playoff chances now above 90% as they sit at 10-5 with two weeks remaining.

Jayden Daniels (Photo: NFL)

They have not made the postseason since 2020 and haven’t won a playoff game since 2005—almost two decades ago.

Daniels looks poised to end Washington’s prolonged playoff drought.

The Commanders’ 10-5 record marks their best start since the 1992 season. While they currently trail the 12-3 Eagles by two games in the NFC East, Washington is in a strong position to secure a wildcard spot.

Daniels is now in a heated competition with fellow rookie quarterback Bo Nix for Offensive Rookie of the Year, but after his performance, it’s hard to imagine anyone else taking home the honor.

One fan on X declared, “He’s the rookie of the year, no doubt.” Another fan added, “Jayden Daniels with ice in his veins! Game-winning TD with 6 seconds left to beat the Eagles. This rookie is a lock for ROY—he’s got Mahomes-level magic!”

When comparisons to Patrick Mahomes start to surface, you know you’re doing something right.

Daniels and the Commanders will next face the Falcons at home before heading to Dallas for a regular-season finale against the Cowboys.

For the first time in years, Daniels has the Commanders on the brink of something truly special, and he could very well be bringing home some major hardware in the process.

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NFL (American Football)

Commanders Face Eagles in Crucial Rematch to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive and Prove Competitiveness

Commanders Face Eagles in Crucial Rematch to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive and Prove Competitivenes
Commanders Face Eagles in Crucial Rematch to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive and Prove Competitiveness

The Washington Commanders face a pivotal challenge in Week 16 as they prepare to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch crucial to their playoff aspirations. The spotlight is on Washington’s defense as it attempts to counteract the Eagles’ dynamic offense, renowned for its exceptional rushing attack. This Thursday Night Football clash at Northwest Stadium will serve as a litmus test for the Commanders’ playoff credentials, as a win would keep their postseason hopes alive and deliver a significant morale boost.

With a 9-5 record, the Commanders are enjoying their best season start since 1992, a year that saw them advance to the Divisional Round and send eight players to the Pro Bowl. This year’s squad aims to replicate that success, but the immediate focus is on containing Philadelphia’s potent offense. The stakes are high, as the Commanders seek to secure their position amid a competitive race for the NFC Wild Card spots.

Commanders Face Eagles in Crucial Rematch to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive and Prove Competitiveness
Commanders Face Eagles in Crucial Rematch to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive and Prove Competitiveness

The Commanders’ defense, under head coach Dan Quinn, has performed admirably in some areas, ranking 11th overall and fourth in passing defense, allowing just 189.6 yards per game. However, their run defense has been a glaring weakness, ranking 25th in the league and conceding an average of 132.1 rushing yards per game. This vulnerability will be tested by the Eagles’ league-leading rushing attack, which averages 186.2 yards per game—a potential game-deciding matchup.

In their earlier meeting this season, the Eagles dominated offensively, racking up 434 total yards, including 228 on the ground. Quarterback Jalen Hurts contributed significantly with 221 passing yards and a rushing touchdown, while running back Saquon Barkley inflicted further damage with 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Commanders’ defense will need a far stronger showing to reverse their fortunes in the rematch.

A victory against the 12-2 Eagles would be transformative for the Commanders, bolstering their playoff chances while affirming their ability to compete with top-tier teams. It would send a strong message to rivals such as Seattle, Atlanta, and Arizona, who are also vying for the final Wild Card spot. As the Commanders approach the season’s final stretch, a win could provide the momentum and confidence needed to propel them into the postseason.

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NFL (American Football)

Commanders’ Jonathan Allen might return this season following an October pectoral muscle tear

Commanders Lose Jonathan Allen for Season After Torn Pectoral, Defensive Line Depth Tested
Commanders Lose Jonathan Allen for Season After Torn Pectoral, Defensive Line Depth Tested

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen returned to practice on Wednesday and could make it back this season, two months after having surgery to fix a torn pectoral muscle.

The team opened a 21-day practice window for Allen, which gives him the chance to play after he was initially expected to be out for the rest of the season. He injured himself during Washington’s game on October 13 against Baltimore and had surgery later that month.

“Whenever you get the game taken away from you, it’s always humbling,” Allen said after practice. “Just really excited to be back with the team and, yeah, just happy to be back out here.”

Allen, who will turn 30 in January, took part in individual drills during the portion of practice open to reporters. He wore a black non-contact jersey, was listed as a limited participant on the injury report, and called it a good first day.

Coach Dan Quinn explained that Allen’s injury was not as bad as originally feared, and the team realized shortly after the surgery that a return was possible.

“We had an idea, but you just never know,” Allen said. “I just wanted to just work in silence and just keep going until I had a real opportunity.”

Washington Commanders Aim to Regroup and Reflect After Third Consecutive Loss
Washington Commanders Aim to Regroup and Reflect After Third Consecutive Loss

Allen traveled to New York for a checkup and met all the requirements to get back on the field. Team officials talked with the surgeon and gave Allen the green light to try his best.

“He’s built different, for sure,” Quinn said. “It’s a remarkable part of the rehab for him to go through it. There’s a lengthy protocol in the return to make sure we don’t miss a step along the way.”

The Commanders now have three weeks to either activate Allen or place him back on injured reserve. Playing this Sunday against NFC East leaders Philadelphia seems unlikely, but Allen could return for one of the final two games: December 29 against Atlanta or January 4 or 5 at Dallas.

“It’s just about going out there and just feeling comfortable,” Allen said. “Just trying to work my you-know-what off every day so I can help this team in any way possible.”

Allen made 15 tackles and had two sacks in five and a half games before his injury. A first-round pick in 2017 out of Alabama, he was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2022 and is Washington’s second-longest tenured player after punter Tress Way.

“To have him out there was a great feeling for the D-line,” rookie defensive tackle Johnny Newton said. “He’s our leader for the D-line, him and (Daron) Payne, so having him out there is just a new level of energy and just happiness for everybody.”

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NFL (American Football)

Jayden Daniels is developing into a more skilled pocket passer as his rookie season with the Commanders progresses

Jayden Daniels in the 2nd half

When Jayden Daniels played his first few games in the NFL with the Washington Commanders, his former college coach expected him to handle whatever challenges came his way. Herm Edwards also predicted that Daniels would continue to improve.

“He understands that you’re going to win games from the pocket,” Edwards said in October. “You’ve got to win games from the pocket. That running is good and people get all excited, but at the end of the day you’ve got to play good within the framework of the pocket and he knows that and he can do that.”

Daniels has shown that growth in his last two games, completing almost 82% of his passes, up from 61% in the previous five games, when he was recovering from a rib injury. The Commanders have won their last two games, and at 9-5, they are still in contention for a playoff spot with Daniels leading the team.

“I would just say it’s just finding completions, getting the ball in my hands and letting the guys make plays,” Daniels said on his 24th birthday. “That’s kind of where we’re at now.”

Jayden Daniels tries to score in the 2nd half

Daniels still has the ability to scramble and run, and he’s coming off a 66-yard rushing game at New Orleans. Though the team could do without the eight sacks he took, Daniels threw 25 of 31 for 226 yards, including two touchdown passes to top receiver Terry McLaurin.

Improving his passing has been a key focus for Daniels and the coaching staff since he joined the team as the second pick in the draft.

“One of the things that we’ve worked really hard on is (Daniels) remaining a passer inside of the pocket,” coach Dan Quinn said. “He’s got legs to move, and so for him, remaining a passer longer, the guys stay in coverage longer, the receivers down the field are working. I think that part of the game, there’s been improvement and I would say we’re still progressing in that spot.”

Quinn noted that Daniels came out of college, first at Arizona State under Edwards and then two years at LSU, with a strong foundation in fundamentals. He also observed that Daniels has been making better decisions with the football lately.

That has shown recently. In the last two games, Daniels has thrown five touchdowns and just one interception, after throwing three picks during Washington’s three-game losing streak in November.

He remains a favorite to win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and is currently leading Pro Bowl voting among quarterbacks in his conference.

After his birthday celebration, where teammate Mike Sainristil presented him with a cake, Daniels said he hasn’t spent much time thinking about all the praise and attention he’s been getting.

Washington Commanders Aim to Regroup and Reflect After Third Consecutive Loss
Washington Commanders Aim to Regroup and Reflect After Third Consecutive Loss

“I’m doing really good, can’t complain,” Daniels said. “It’s just keeping the main thing the main thing and being where my feet are. That’s what my parents always told me growing up is just be where your feet are. Don’t worry about the future, what happened in the past. All that matters in the moment.”

The next challenge for Daniels comes with the Philadelphia Eagles, who have the top defense in the league, both overall and against the pass. They will present another tough test for Daniels, who was beaten by the Eagles 26-18 in their first meeting last month.

Daniels feels he’s becoming an even better passer and attributes that growth to continuing to improve with each game.

“I mean, you’re either getting better or you’re getting worse, and I don’t want to get worse,” Daniels said. “(I’m) finding little ways to improve each and every game.”

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NFL (American Football)

Giants’ Slim Playoff Hopes Fade at 2-7 with Struggling Offense and Defensive Inconsistencies

Giants' Slim Playoff Hopes Fade at 2-7 with Struggling Offense and Defensive Inconsistencies
Giants' Slim Playoff Hopes Fade at 2-7 with Struggling Offense and Defensive Inconsistencies

The New York Giants have reached the halfway point of the season with a dismal 2-7 record after losing their fourth straight game, a 27-22 defeat to the Washington Commanders. With only eight games remaining, the Giants face nearly impossible odds to make the playoffs and would likely need to win all their remaining games to avoid missing the postseason for the second consecutive year. Despite the struggles, the team continues to play hard for head coach Brian Daboll, who led them to a playoff berth in his first season last year, but inconsistency on both sides of the ball has been their biggest downfall.

The offense has been particularly concerning, managing only 14 touchdowns in nine games and averaging a meager 15.4 points per game. Even with a revamped offensive line, a healthy Daniel Jones, and rookie standout Malik Nabers, the Giants have failed to find the end zone consistently. Frustration is mounting within the organization, although co-owner John Mara has expressed confidence in Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen to find solutions. Daboll acknowledged the team’s struggles, emphasizing that missed opportunities and execution errors are contributing to their poor results.

One of the few bright spots for the Giants has been their pass rush, which has led the league with 35 sacks this season. Defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence has been dominant with nine sacks, while Azeez Ojulari and Brian Burns have also contributed significantly. However, the defense’s success has not been enough to offset the offensive woes. Against Washington, the Giants’ pass rush was neutralized, forcing Washington to adjust their blocking schemes and lean on short passing plays to minimize pressure.

Giants' Slim Playoff Hopes Fade at 2-7 with Struggling Offense and Defensive Inconsistencies
Giants’ Slim Playoff Hopes Fade at 2-7 with Struggling Offense and Defensive Inconsistencies

Scoring remains the most pressing issue for the Giants, as they have scored just 139 points this season, the second-fewest in the NFL. Inconsistency plagues the offense, with the running game, passing attack, and offensive line failing to perform collectively from week to week. Despite these struggles, wide receiver Malik Nabers has been a standout performer, recording 55 receptions for 557 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. While his deep-play potential has not fully materialized, Nabers has been a reliable option for the offense.

On the downside, cornerback Deonte Banks, the Giants’ 2023 first-round draft pick, has struggled after showing promise in his rookie season. He was benched in a loss to Pittsburgh and struggled again against Washington, where he allowed two touchdown catches to Terry McLaurin. Injuries have also plagued the Giants, with key players like left tackle Andrew Thomas, edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, and kicker Graham Gano dealing with long-term issues. Thomas, the team’s best offensive lineman, is out for the season, further weakening the line’s stability.

Looking ahead, the Giants’ path remains difficult, with three of their final eight games against teams with winning records, including the Ravens, Falcons, and Eagles. Their next matchup provides a more manageable opportunity against the 2-7 Carolina Panthers in Munich. However, with the team’s slim playoff chances, a significant turnaround is needed, though history suggests the odds are against them—only one team has ever started 2-7 and made the playoffs.

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NFL (American Football)

Daniels throws for 2 touchdowns as the Commanders hold off the Saints 20-19

Washington Commanders players celebrates after the win

Jayden Daniels’ second game in the Superdome ended in a thrilling finish, just like his first. This time, however, he and Washington were on the winning side, even though they almost let a three-score lead slip away in the second half.

Daniels threw two touchdown passes to Terry McLaurin in the first half, and Washington held off a strong comeback attempt by rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler and the New Orleans Saints. The Commanders won 20-19 on Sunday when New Orleans failed to convert a 2-point try in the final seconds.

“It feels good to win by one point,” Daniels said. “Life comes full circle.” Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy last year at LSU, completed 25 of 31 passes for 226 yards in his return to Louisiana. He also ran for 66 yards, including a key third-and-14 scramble to set up a field goal by Greg Joseph that put Washington ahead 17-0 in the third quarter.

Rattler, who replaced starting quarterback Jake Haener, nearly led the Saints to victory. After Joseph missed a 54-yard field goal with 1:55 left, Rattler led a 56-yard drive and threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Foster Moreau as time ran out. However, Rattler’s attempt at a 2-point conversion was unsuccessful, and the Saints fell short.

Jayden Daniels runs with the ball in the 2nd half

Interim coach Darren Rizzi decided to go for the win, but Rattler’s pass to tight end Juwan Johnson was incomplete. The Saints are now 0-4 without quarterback Derek Carr, who was injured the previous week.

“Just a mixture of emotions because we walk off the field with a loss, but I don’t know if I’ve ever been more proud of the team,” Rizzi said, adding that he didn’t regret going for the 2-point conversion.

Washington helped keep the game close with nine penalties for 84 yards and missed chances. Coach Dan Quinn expressed frustration with his team’s mistakes, saying, “When you get those, you really put yourself in a bad spot.”

McLaurin had seven catches for 73 yards, but Daniels missed some key throws, including one to McLaurin deep down the middle in the fourth quarter. McLaurin also couldn’t catch a long pass along the sideline later in the game.

Spencer Rattler and Dorance Armstrong in the 2nd half

Rattler passed for 135 yards and a touchdown after replacing Haener, who completed just four of 10 passes for 49 yards and an interception. Rattler led the Saints’ scoring drives, including a touchdown pass to Alvin Kamara. Field goals by Blake Grupe cut Washington’s lead to 20-13.

Daniels took eight sacks during the game, with some coming when he ran out of bounds to avoid losing yards.

Washington took an early lead with a broken play that looked like something out of a pickup game. Daniels dodged tackles from Khalen Saunders and Bryan Bresee, then threw the ball over Pete Werner to McLaurin, who caught it while crossing the end zone despite a tough collision with three players.

“It was a hell of a play,” Saunders said. “Daniels is one of them backyard football-type cats — and I say that with the utmost respect.”

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NFL (American Football)

Jayden Daniels and Marshon Lattimore will experience a “homecoming” when the Commanders face the Saints

Jayden Daniels celebrates his touchdown in the 1st half

The last time Jayden Daniels played in the Superdome, he was making his LSU debut, starting a new chapter in his college career that would lead him to win the Heisman Trophy a year ago.

The last time Marshon Lattimore played in the NFL, he was wearing a New Orleans Saints uniform in what turned out to be his final game with the team that drafted him 11th overall in 2017.

Both players are expected to return to the dome on Sunday with the Washington Commanders (8-5), who will try to defeat the Saints (5-8), who have recently found some form.

“I’m excited to go back and be able to play in the state of Louisiana again,” said Daniels, who had the chance to attend some Saints home games during the two years he spent in Baton Rouge, about an 80-mile drive up the Mississippi River from New Orleans.

“It is going to be fun,” Daniels said. “Superdome gets pretty loud and they’re rolling. So, we’ll go out there, we’ll see what we could do and compete.”

Jayden Daniels pauses in the news conference

Whether the Saints are really “rolling” is up for debate. They narrowly won last week against the struggling New York Giants, thanks to a late blocked field goal. But New Orleans also lost starting quarterback Derek Carr to a concussion and an injury to his left, non-throwing hand, which is expected to keep him out this weekend and possibly longer.

On Thursday night, interim Saints coach Darren Rizzi told the team that second-year player Jake Haener would make his first career start this week.

New Orleans’ victory last week was their third in four games since third-year coach Dennis Allen was fired and replaced by Rizzi, who had been the team’s special teams coordinator since 2019. However, the Saints haven’t beaten any team with a winning record this season.

Now, New Orleans must try to stop the dual-threat Daniels, who hasn’t looked like a rookie. Daniels has a 69.6% completion rate and only six interceptions.

“Those are usually the things, when you’re dealing with a rookie quarterback, that you don’t see,” Rizzi said. “It’s not like they got him out there just managing the game. … He’s got some highlight film plays, too.”

“To sit here and say that he’s only 13 games into his professional career, his body of work has been really impressive,” Rizzi added, mentioning that Daniels’ ability to make big plays with his legs will challenge a Saints defense that has struggled against mobile quarterbacks. “He’s going to be more dangerous than maybe every quarterback we’ve played.”

Lattimore’s return

The Saints traded Marshon Lattimore more than a month ago, ending his nearly eight-year career with New Orleans. During his time with the team, he won defensive rookie of the year in 2017 and was selected to the Pro Bowl four times.

While the Saints considered Lattimore their best defensive back and often placed him in single coverage against the opposing team’s top receivers, his last few seasons were affected by injuries. This made the five-year, $97 million extension he signed in 2021 harder for New Orleans to justify.

Marshon Lattimore preps before the game

“Marshon’s as good a corner as I’ve seen,” Rizzi said. “There’s really not a guy in the league that he can’t cover.”

Rizzi also pointed out the “irony” of Lattimore — who was traded on Nov. 5 and hasn’t played since Oct. 27 — making his Washington debut in New Orleans.

“We traded him what seems like a long time ago,” Rizzi said. “But it just so happens — happenstance — it’s against us. So, all good.”

Rizzi expects plenty of interaction between Lattimore and his former teammates on the field.

“Any time you have one of those homecoming games, if you will, there’s always a little extra added juice to it,” Rizzi said. “I’m sure there’ll be some yapping going on.”

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NFL (American Football)

The Saints have selected Jake Haener to replace Derek Carr as the starting quarterback for the game against Washington

Jake Haener passes in the 2nd half

The New Orleans Saints have chosen second-year quarterback Jake Haener to start against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, according to a source who spoke anonymously because the decision hadn’t been officially announced yet.

The decision, first reported by the New Orleans Football website, suggests that the Saints believe starter Derek Carr is too injured to play this week.

Carr suffered a concussion and hurt his left, non-throwing hand during the Saints’ 14-11 win over the New York Giants last Sunday.

On Wednesday, interim head coach Darren Rizzi said he couldn’t rule out Carr’s ability to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol and potentially play despite the hand injury. Rizzi mentioned that Carr doesn’t need surgery and that his status will be “week to week” for the rest of the season.

However, Carr did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler split first-team practice reps.

Derek Carr walks off the field after an injury

Haener, a 2023 fourth-round draft pick from Fresno State, will make his first career NFL start this weekend. So far, he has thrown for 177 yards and one touchdown, with no interceptions, in seven career appearances— all this season.

Rattler, a fifth-round pick out of South Carolina, has passed for 571 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions in three career starts while Carr was out with an oblique injury from Weeks 6 through 8.

The Saints (5-8) are still in the race for a playoff spot after winning three of their last four games under Rizzi, who took over as interim head coach after Dennis Allen was let go following a seven-game losing streak from Weeks 3 to 9.

Washington (8-5) is currently in the NFC playoff race and will face the Saints, a team that has not beaten any teams with a winning record.

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NFL (American Football)

Lattimore is on track to make his debut for the Commanders against the Saints, while Brown is expected to be out for an extended period

Marshon Lattimore
Marshon Lattimore (NFL)

Marshon Lattimore is getting closer to playing on Sunday after missing time due to a hamstring injury, according to Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn.

This would allow the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback to make his debut for the Commanders against the New Orleans Saints, six weeks after being traded there in early November. On Wednesday, Lattimore fully participated in practice for the first time since the trade.

“We’ll take it through the whole week,” Quinn said. “We’re not going to miss one step with him and the practicing and hitting all the markers. If it trends that way good, then (he will) go.”

Whether it’s this Sunday or on December 22 against the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles, the Commanders expect to add Lattimore to their defense soon as they aim for the playoffs. Washington is 8-5 coming off its bye week and released 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes earlier this month, partly in anticipation of Lattimore’s arrival.

The news isn’t as positive for wide receiver Noah Brown, who Quinn said will be out for an extended period due to what he called a “significant internal injury.” Brown left the game on December 1 against Tennessee due to what was initially thought to be a rib issue, but he was listed with a kidney injury on Wednesday’s practice report.

“Tough news on Noah: He’s going to be out for a while,” Quinn said. “We love him and his play style, the identity of how he goes and so that one hurts. He’s been absolutely one of our glue guys.

Dan Quinn in a news conference

During the game, between him and the medical staff, they did a really good job to address what was a serious injury. Fortunately, he’s going to be OK, but it’s going to knock him out for a bit.”

Signed in late August after being cut from Houston’s roster, Brown became one of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels’ top targets. He has 35 catches for 453 yards, including the game-winning Hail Mary touchdown against Chicago on October 27.

“He’s an impactful player,” Daniels said of Brown. “We’re praying and hoping for a speedy recovery. We’re always here for him. That’s our brother, so nothing changes on our side.”

The Commanders claimed 27-year-old wide receiver K.J. Osborn off waivers from New England. With Brown potentially out for the rest of the regular season, others like Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, and rookie Luke McCaffrey will need to step up.

“We know that we’ve got to step up as a unit — and not just one person but everybody,” Zaccheaus said. “It’s going to be a group effort. I think we’ll all just be rotating in there as we usually do. We’ll see on game day.”

Starting right tackle Andrew Wylie cleared concussion protocol and fully participated in practice. Running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) and kicker Austin Seibert (groin) are on injured reserve and will miss at least the next three games against the Saints, Eagles, and Falcons.