LANDOVER, Md. – Jayden Daniels remains the central ingredient behind the vibrant and suddenly unstoppable Washington Commanders. On a day when the defense took the lead, don’t sleep on the recipe of tackles and tequila.

The latest shocking result, Sunday’s 34-13 lopsided win over the Cleveland Browns at Northwest Stadium, featured plenty of big plays from the rookie quarterback. For the first time this season, Daniels wasn’t Washington’s driving force. The Commanders signed linebackers Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner in free agency for games like this.

While the defense was a silent partner for much of the Commanders’ celebratory start to the season, the defense played loud football against the reeling AFC North foe. The unit that was last entering Week 5 in opponent third-down conversions held the Browns to 1-of-13, the one that came in the final minute of the game. After allowing six touchdown receptions to the opposing team’s No. 1 wide receivers — at least one in each of the first four games — the Commanders secondary kept Cleveland’s top targets out of the end zone.

Then there were the bags. Washington generated minimal pressure before Sunday with eight sacks in four games. Buoyed by a rare home crowd advantage, the Commanders had seven sacks against the Browns, and other plays added to the discomfort of already bewildered Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson.

GO DEEPER

Hey, Commanders fans, it’s okay to believe. Really and truly

Luvu led Washington in sacks (2 1/2), tackles (seven), QB hits (three) and tackles for loss (two), while also recovering a fumble. Wagner, credited with 1 1/2 sacks, threw a Browns lineman to Watson for a takedown.

“I was definitely happy with the energy,” Wagner said of the continued pressure. “We had some plays that changed the course of the game.”

The linebackers recently helped turn around the defensive group, along with the addition of new coaches, including coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and coach Dan Quinn.

“Bobby Wagner is as cool as they come in just about any scenario,” Quinn said after the game. “Then Frankie is standing next to him, being as excited, wild and fun as can be.”

Like most of the defense, Luvu’s stats initially lagged this season. His aggressive presence remained a constant. On Sunday, pass-rush skill numbers rose dramatically. The ex-Carolina Panther, who said his postgame plans included tackling a bottle of his choice, brought down Browns running back D’Onta Foreman for no gain on fourth-and-1 from Washington’s 47 on the opening drive.

Leading 7-0 in the second quarter, the Commanders stopped a drive that ended with a 51-yard Dustin Hopkins field goal. After cornerback Benjamin St-Juste made spotlight plays in coverage, Luvu sacked Watson on third down. No wonder Luvu got a match ball from Quinn.

WHERE MY DOGS NEAR@budlicht | #Raise hail pic.twitter.com/U71AjdcK0F

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 6, 2024

“Putting everything in,” Daniels said in appreciation for the tone-setting linebacker who signed a three-year contract worth up to $36 million in March. “He practices how he plays.”

That last part of Daniels’ comment is why Washington sought Luvu and Wagner, a 10-time All-Pro selection. The Commanders’ linebacker group struggled for a number of years, and these two immediately raised expectations for the unit and the entire defense. As they elevated their play, Washington’s defensive production and intensity followed suit.

“I can honestly tell you this is the hungriest group I’ve been around,” said Jonathan Allen, the defensive tackle and Washington’s 2017 first-round pick. “Nobody here is satisfied.”

Daniels didn’t completely walk on water compared to his three previous outings, especially from an accuracy perspective. He finished 14 of 25 for 238 yards with one touchdown pass and an interception. His 11 incompletions nearly matched his total (12) in wins over the New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals, the latter two on the road. Washington played without wide receiver Noah Brown (groin) on Sunday.

The rookie’s second interception of the season came on Cleveland’s goal line on Washington’s second possession, following a rare three-and-out to start the game.

“I thought it was a dirty start to the offense, to be honest,” Quinn said.

And yet Daniels seemed unfazed. Granted, that’s his emotional default and the underrated aspect of his otherwise spectacular skills.

“There are plays you want back, but that doesn’t say anything about (the) last possession. You can’t dwell on that,” Daniels said.

He also suffered a heavy hit in the second half. And despite appearing to feel the pain, Daniels stayed in the match.

“I wasn’t injured at all. I was exaggerating too much,” Daniels said as laughter erupted during his postgame session.

The rookie also showed those great game elements. On the second drive, Daniels completed a 66-yard bomb to Terry McLaurin, who finished with 112 yards on four receptions, although he fumbled on a carry that opened the second half. Daniels later fed Dyami Brown down the right sideline for a 41-yard touchdown with 36 seconds left in the second quarter.

FIRST MATCHING TD AT THE FRONT CRIB @JayD__5

📺 #CLEvsWAS FOX pic.twitter.com/RF8N0D9W9L

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 6, 2024

The quarterback led Washington with 82 rushing yards, including a 34-yard scramble to Cleveland’s 6-yard line that set up one of Brian Robinson Jr.’s two touchdown runs. yielded.

“We left some stuff on the table. A lot,” says Daniëls. “It’s better to go back and assess things after a win.”

Running back Austin Ekeler had a 50-yard run that finished 97 yards from scrimmage after missing the 42-14 win at Arizona with a concussion. Robinson, limited in practice this week by a knee injury, scored on touchdown runs of 1 and 4 yards. The offensive line, with rookie Brandon Coleman starting at left tackle, kept 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett completely off the stat sheet.

Cleveland’s offense had little chance to keep pace, thanks to Washington’s pass rush and coverage. The Browns crossed midfield just once in the first half on the fourth down stop and trailed 24-3 at halftime. Watson had just 125 passing yards. His lone touchdown pass, a 10-yarder to Jordan Akins, came deep in the second half. By then, Commanders fans were in party mode.

“It took a long time,” Allen said. “But that being said, there are still a lot of plays we need to clean up.”

Scoop City Newsletter

Free, daily NFL updates delivered straight to your inbox.

Free, daily NFL updates delivered straight to your inbox.

To register

Never being satisfied is a winning mentality. Washington has yet to hold an opponent to fewer than 100 rushing yards; Cleveland had 104 and averaged 4.5 yards per carry. Next week’s opponent, the Baltimore Ravens, will challenge the Commanders on the ground with two-time MVP-winning quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry.

Luvu and his teammates will focus on that match soon enough. Expect some partying over the next 24 hours.

“I try to capitalize on the plays that are there to be made,” said a happy Luvu. “I got two (bags) today. I’m going to focus on that and drink some tequila.”

(Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images)