NFC East Power Rankings Week 2: Cowboys defense might be the best in the NFL
By Randy Gurzi
NFC East Power Rankings No. 3: Washington Commanders (1-0)
Everything was set up nicely for the Washington Commanders in Week 1. Not only did they get to play one of the worst teams in the entire NFL — the Arizona Cardinals — but they were also facing a quarterback who just joined the team less than two weeks ago.
Josh Dobbs, who was with the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and Tennessee Titans in 2022 had re-signed with the Browns to be their No. 2 quarterback this year. But when Dorian Thompson-Robinson went off in the preseason and Colt McCoy regressed in a huge way, the Cards traded for Dobbs. He was decent in his debut but not great, finishing with just 132 yards on 21-of-30 passing attempts with a late fumble that cost his team.
Despite all of this, Washington was down 16-10 heading into the final quarter. A six-yard touchdown run from Sam Howell gave them their first lead since the second quarter and a 33-yard field goal from Joey Slye with 2:23 to play made it 20-16.
The defense stepped up again, forcing a turnover on downs, which ended the game.
They're now 1-0 but they were far less convincing than Dallas or Philly in their win. Sam Howell still looks raw and had two turnovers, including a fumble that went back for a touchdown.
They also continue to try and force-feed Brian Robinson who was again underwhelming with 59 yards on 19 carries.
Washington will next face the Broncos, who are 0-1, but should be better than Arizona which will tell us more about this team.