Commanders’ Offense Stalls, Defense Exposed in 27-18 Loss to Packers/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Washington Commanders are struggling to find their footing just two weeks into the NFL season. Quarterback Jayden Daniels and a sluggish defense failed to replicate last year’s success in a loss to the Green Bay Packers. Injuries to key players like Austin Ekeler and Deatrich Wise Jr. have added to the team’s early woes.
Commanders’ Rocky Start: Quick Looks
- Washington falls to 1-1 after a 27-18 loss to Green Bay.
- Jayden Daniels: 24-of-42, 200 yards, 2 TDs (both late), 4 sacks.
- Commanders managed 11 total yards in the first quarter, their worst since 2018.
- Terry McLaurin has just 7 catches for 75 yards, 0 TDs through two games.
- Deebo Samuel continues to shine: 7 catches, TD, plus 50-yard kick return.
- Defense struggles: Allowed 96- and 92-yard TD drives; Tucker Kraft torched them for 124 yards.
- Injuries mounting: Austin Ekeler (Achilles, feared torn), Deatrich Wise Jr. (quad, out for season).
- Commanders remain turnover-free for two straight Week 1-2 starts (first time since 1968-69).
- Coach Dan Quinn admits team “missed the mark” in style and identity.
- Next up: Washington hosts the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 21.
Commanders’ Offense Stalls, Defense Exposed in 27-18 Loss to Packers
Deep Look
The Washington Commanders entered the 2025 NFL season with expectations sky-high after last year’s 12-5 run to the NFC Championship Game. But through two weeks, they’ve looked more like the league’s oldest roster than a title contender.
Daniels Facing Early Growing Pains
Quarterback Jayden Daniels, last season’s AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, has yet to find his rhythm. Against Green Bay, he completed 24 of 42 passes for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns, but both scores came in the fourth quarter with the game already slipping away. He was also sacked four times and held to 17 rushing yards on seven attempts.
“It is early in the season. I wouldn’t expect anyone in this locker room to hit the panic button,” Daniels said postgame.
Offense Lacking Spark
The Commanders’ offense sputtered from the opening whistle. Their 11 total yards in the first quarter marked their worst start since 2018. At one point, Green Bay led 14-0 while outgaining Washington 243 to 23.
Key issues:
- Offensive line struggles left Daniels under constant pressure.
- Running game ineffective without holes for backs.
- Terry McLaurin, fresh off a new contract, has been quiet with just 7 catches for 75 yards through two weeks.
Coach Dan Quinn admitted the team lacked identity: “It just felt like we missed the mark.”
Defensive Concerns
Washington’s defense, bolstered by offseason additions Von Miller and Javon Kinlaw, hasn’t delivered. The Packers put together two 90+ yard touchdown drives, while tight end Tucker Kraft carved up the secondary with 6 catches for 124 yards and a score.
Even special teams faltered, with kicker Matt Gay missing two field goals.
Injuries Piling Up
The Commanders’ injury list is already a concern:
- Austin Ekeler (RB): Feared torn Achilles, awaiting final tests.
- Deatrich Wise Jr. (DE): Out for season, quad surgery required.
- Noah Brown (WR) and John Bates (TE): Exited Thursday’s game with groin injuries.
Losing Ekeler and Wise for extended periods will force major adjustments on both sides of the ball.
Bright Spot: Deebo Samuel
One consistent weapon: Deebo Samuel, who caught 7 passes for 44 yards and a touchdown, while also averaging 39 yards on two kick returns, including a 50-yard burst. He’s now scored in both games this season.
Key Number: Zero
The Commanders have yet to commit a turnover in 2025. This mirrors last season’s start — making them the first Washington team since 1968-69 to begin back-to-back seasons with turnover-free football.
What’s Next
With extra time before their Sept. 21 home game against the Raiders, the Commanders must regroup. Quinn and his staff need solutions for:
- Protecting Daniels behind a shaky O-line.
- Re-establishing chemistry between Daniels and McLaurin.
- Shoring up coverage against tight ends, with Raiders rookie Brock Bowers looming as a potential threat.
The Raiders will enter the matchup on short rest after a Monday night showdown with the Chargers, giving Washington a slight scheduling advantage.
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