The secrets behind Jayden Daniels’ explosive Commanders offense and Detroit Lions hungry D

These are my offense and defense to watch this week. 

Offense: Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels returned to the lineup in Week 5, and led the Commanders to a win over the Chargers with nearly 400 yards of total offense. Washington is fourth in the NFL in points scored (95) over the last three weeks. 

The Commanders’ running efficiency has carried over from last season. Washington leads the NFL in rushing yardage per game (156.4), and in rushing yards per play (5.9). 

Jacory Croskey-Merritt is now the lead back, posting three rushing touchdowns over the last three games. Croskey-Merritt is picking up tough yards after contact, but is also explosive. Half of his rushing yardage has come between the tackles, with nine of his runs going for more than 10 yards. 

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Jayden Daniels is second on the team in attempts (26), recording most of them on scrambles. Defenses are forced to defend the run regardless of which play is called by the Commanders. They are seeing plenty of stacked boxes, and executing anyway.

Daniels’ completion rate is down from his rookie season. The seven drops from his receivers rank 11th in the NFL, despite him playing only three games. His adjusted completion rate is 72.2%, and he has yet to throw an interception; he has four touchdowns. 

The addition of Deebo Samuel has elevated this receiving group. Samuel has caught 30 of 37 targets, with three scores. His 165 yards after the catch rank eighth among receivers. Samuel is being used everywhere from behind the line of scrimmage to 20-plus yards downfield. 

The Commanders are optimistic Terry McLaurin will play this week after missing the last two games. McLaurin has been targeted more than 14 yards downfield this season. He is a deep threat that strains defenses with the threat of Samuel and Zach Ertz underneath. 

This offense has survived a wave of injuries, and can attack defenses in mutiple ways. Daniels will get his full arsenal back this weekend against the Bears, who allow nearly 30 points per game. 

Defense: Detroit Lions

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The Lions’ defense has been powerful over the last three weeks. In that stretch, Detroit ranks sixth in total yardage allowed, with 12 sacks and seven turnovers. 

This defensive scheme starts with stopping the run. In Detroit, however, this is coming from the second and third levels. 

The Lions have a trio of impressive linebackers: Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes. On average, all three are making tackles less than four yards from the line of scrimmage.

Campbell is becoming a top NFL linebacker. He leads the team in total tackles (33), without a miss in the running game, along with 12 play-stopping hits.

Brian Branch is coming down from safety to assist. He trails only Campbell and Barnes in tackles on running plays, and is one of five safeties to force a fumble on the ground this year. The group is consistently taking scoring chances away in the running game. 

The Lions’ pass-rush begins on the left edge with Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson looks to be healthy after missing last season, and is a top-five pass-rusher in sacks, quarterback hits and quarterback hurries. 

Opposite Hutchinson is Al-Quadin Muhammad, who has an excellent win rate on passing downs (26.2%). With heat from both sides of the pocket, quarterbacks are seeing pressure on more than 40% of snaps against the Lions. 

The secondary is the softest spot of this unit, but it does limit yards after the catch, ranking second in the NFL in the category. Exterior corners D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold are conceding completion rates in the low 60s. 

The Lions lead the NFL in average separation from receivers, despite defending the pass on more than 60% of plays. 

This defense faces a motivated Chiefs team on Sunday night.

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