NFL Week 4 live updates: Inactives, schedule, kickoff times, matchups, odds and predictions
By Ben Standig, Doug Haller and Tobias Bass
Quarterback Jayden Daniels continued to his successful rookie season guiding the Washington Commanders to a 42-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
While Daniels didn’t post flashy numbers, he was effective under center, helping Washington to its first 3-1 start since 2011. Daniels, who leads the NFL in completion percentage, completed 26-of-30 passes for 233 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury focused on the run game, with Daniels, Jeremy McNichols, and Brian Robinson Jr. each scoring rushing touchdowns. Robinson led the Commanders with 101 rushing yards while McNichols found the end zone twice.
Jeremy McNichols stays in bounds for the 27-yard TD!
📺: #WASvsAZ on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/dZgbHH2WEm— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2024
Ground and pound
The statistics tell a chunk of Daniels’ story four games into his rookie season. There are records set or tied weekly. For example, he became the fourth quarterback in the Super Bowl era with four rushing touchdowns in his first four games. Even the downer mentions, like his first career interception coming on Washington’s 28 possessions during the season, highlight his efficiency overall.
However, the straw stirring the mix is the 23-year-old’s poise and unflappability. Whatever is thrown Daniels’ way, like a seven-point deficit before touching the ball for the second consecutive game or another defensive coordinator’s scheme, is easily swatted away.
On the drive ending with Terry McLaurin’s 10-yard touchdown reception, Washington (3-1) was flagged for taunting, holding and 12 men in the huddle. No matter. Take away running back Austin Ekeler, second on the team with 204 yards from scrimmage and third with nine receptions, with a Week 3 concussion? All good. The same goes for the entire offense after this complete effort. — Ben Standig, Commanders beat writer
Commanders’ defense steps up
This week, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said his group is “not playing the brand of ball that we want.” That seemed like an understatement, seeing as Washington ranked last in third-down conversion percentage allowed and was coming off a game in which Cincinnati scored 33 points without punting or committing a turnover. Whitt then added, “We’re closer than people think.”
It’s hard to argue that line is coachspeak based on how the Commanders performed. The Cardinals were 3 of 11 on third down and gained 297 yards overall. The lagging pass rush sacked Kyler Murray four times. One came from Dorance Armstrong on 4th-and-1 with the Cardinals at the Commanders’ 35 inside the final minute of the first half.
Questions remain with the cornerbacks. Then again, the ridiculed group avoided getting picked on much after Marvin Harrison’s touchdown reception on the opening drive. More outings like this and the entire group won’t be considered a significant weakness. — Standig
Cardinals struggle offensively
Two weeks ago, the Cardinals (1-3) routed a beat-up Los Angeles Rams team in a way that suggested this team might be ready to contend. That win suddenly seems like a very long time ago. A Week 3 home loss to the Detroit Lions was nothing for fans to panic about. The Cardinals were competitive and played the Lions tough. Sunday was different. The Cardinals were punchless, routed on their home field. For the first time this season, Arizona fans booed. They had every right. The Cardinals did little right against Washington. Outside of running back James Conner, who rushed for over 100 yards, they struggled offensively.
Their vertical passing game, again, was non-existent. Defensively, Arizona failed to disrupt Daniels. The Cardinals struggled to get off the field. On one second-half drive, the Commanders committed three penalties — taunting, holding and illegal substitution — and still reached the end zone.
I’m not sure exactly what that says about a team, but it’s not good. The Cardinals are 1-3 with upcoming trips to San Francisco and Green Bay. Season obits in this league aren’t written after one month, but Arizona needs to figure some things out. Rapidly. — Doug Haller, Arizona senior writer
Required reading
(Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
