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The preseason in the NFL is nothing like the other leagues in North America, as none of the starters play. In football, Week 1 is oftentimes the first instance for starters to see their first live reps in a game.
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After failing to tie the game on a last-minute two-point-conversion, the Commanders fell to 0-1 on the season. The offense showed early signs of growing pains in a new system as the defense seemed to bypass many of those issues. Nonetheless, it was only Week 1 and they have a lot of room to grow as injuries pile up for upcoming opponents.
Offensive line is the weakest unit on the team
Verdict: Not an overreaction
This group did Daniels no favors as he was constantly forced to escape the pocket and make plays on the run. Unfortunately, when he was given ample time to throw, his receivers were all covered down the field.
Despite Brandon Coleman having the support of coaches during training camp, he was by far the weakest link of the group. On the failed two-point-conversion at the end of the game, it was Nick Allegretti that failed to pick up his block allowing the Eagles defender to snuff out the play instantly.
Jayden Daniels will continue to regress
Verdict: Slight overreaction
Jayden Daniels did not have a stellar day by any means. This was the first full game that Daniels played since October 13th, 2025 and he looked like it. Without Laremy Tunsil protecting his blindside, Daniels was not given an easy task against a phenomenal Vic Fangio defensive front.
In the fourth quarter, he began to find a rhythm, completing nine of his 11 passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns. As time goes on and he gets more comfortable in David Blough’s new system, Daniels will begin to understand what is being asked of him.
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Sonny Styles is not built for NFL style of play
Verdict: Overreaction
Styles did not have the best preseason outings but he also did not have a lot of them. In his NFL debut, Styles recorded one sack and two tackles for loss as he constantly made his presence known on the field.
He didn’t have the best day in pass-coverage scenarios but when he lined up on the line or was given the opportunity to rush the passer, he was stellar. The Eagles are supposed to have one of the strongest offensive lines in the league and Styles made quick work of them whenever he tried to make his way into the pocket.
Commanders will have a bottom-tier running back room
Verdict: Likely
The offensive line did not help the group in run-blocking situations by any means. However, all running backs that got the ball averaged under four yards per carry. On 16 carries, Jacory Croskey-Merritt rushed for 63 yards with his longest effort being for 11 yards.
If the offensive line struggles all year like they did during Week 1, then it’ll be difficult for the Commanders to have a balanced play sheet on the offense.
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This story was originally published September 14, 2026 at 2:24 PM.