Commanders’ Jayden Daniels out to continue historic start vs. Browns

Robert Griffin III captivated the nation’s capital with a stellar rookie season in 2012.

But Griffin, who was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and led Washington to the playoffs that season, didn’t deliver as much early success compared to the franchise’s current Heisman Trophy-winning rookie quarterback.

Thanks to a sterling first month, Jayden Daniels has the Commanders off to their best four-game start since 2011 as they prepare for a Week 5 clash against the Cleveland Browns in Landover, Md., on Sunday.

Washington (3-1) has won three straight since losing 37-20 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in its season opener. The franchise started 2-2 with Griffin in 2012.

“I didn’t have any expectations,” Daniels said of how he thought his first season would begin. “For me personally, how much can I learn and keep going? How fast can I learn to become a pro and keep going from there.”

Drafted second overall out of LSU, Daniels, 23, has quickly emerged as a front-runner to win the same award Griffin did 12 years ago.

Daniels’ completion percentage (82.1) through four games is not only the best in the league, but it’s also the highest mark of all time during a four-game stretch (minimum 50 passing attempts).

Daniels has only tossed three touchdown passes (rushing for another four scores), but the Commanders’ offense has still flourished with him. Washington averages 30.3 points per game, third most in the league.

The touted rookie has led more scoring drives (23) than he has thrown incompletions (19). He has been intercepted on just one of his 106 pass attempts, with that pick coming in last Sunday’s 42-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Daniels has shined on Sundays, but Commanders coach Dan Quinn is also impressed by how the first-year signal-caller prepares himself on the days leading up to gameday.

“If you’re around him, you feel this work ethic,” Quinn said. “There’s no magic pixie dust that we’re throwing into him. It is absolutely grinding, working, and a lot of confidence comes from that.”

While Washington has totaled 80 points in its past two games, Cleveland (1-3) has managed just 66 all season. The Browns are averaging the sixth-fewest points per game in the league (16.5).

Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, in his first year with Cleveland after spending his first four seasons with the Denver Broncos, said the Browns’ offense has yet to jell.

“Collectively, as a unit, we just all have to be on the same page at the same time. That’s the biggest thing, for real,” Jeudy said. “Because as an offense, as a group, if one person messed up, the whole play is messed up.”

The Browns scored on their first two drives last Sunday to take a 10-0 lead against the Raiders in Las Vegas but sputtered after that. Rodney McLeod Jr. returned a fumble for a touchdown in the fourth quarter for Cleveland’s only other points.

“Little things do become the big thing,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “We’ve talked about that a lot. So, we focus, in this building, on things that we can control, things that we can get better at. And I think that’s the mindset, that sort of winning mindset, that we have where we’re going to get together and find a way to fix it.”

Cleveland’s offense could soon receive a boost.

Star running back Nick Chubb returned to practice on Wednesday, taking the field for the first time since sustaining a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of last season. Chubb, a 1,000-yard rusher in four straight seasons (2019-22) was a limited participant.

Defensive end Myles Garrett (Achilles) and linebacker Jordan Hicks (ribs/elbow/triceps) were among those who didn’t practice for the Browns, while tight end David Njoku (ankle) and running back Pierre Strong (hamstring) joined Chubb in being among those limited.

Brian Robinson Jr. is dealing with a knee injury and was one of four Commanders with injury designations who didn’t practice on Wednesday. Fellow running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) was among those limited.

–Field Level Media

Run-happy Ravens visit Bengals for AFC North showdown

One of the fiercest rivalries in football renews on Sunday afternoon when the Baltimore Ravens visit the Cincinnati Bengals for both teams’ first AFC North battle of the season.

The teams have combined to win the past three division titles and five of the past six. Baltimore (2-2) dethroned two-time AFC North champion Cincinnati last year and is coming off two straight wins to level its record this season.

The Ravens scored a 35-10 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night, a game that featured an 87-yard touchdown run from Derrick Henry on Baltimore’s first play from scrimmage. Henry enters Week 5 leading the NFL in rushing with 480 yards, while the Ravens are leading the league on the ground as a team at 220.3 rushing yards per game.

Henry is on the brink of two major milestones. The 30-year-old back needs just one touchdown to reach 100 for his career (includes rushing and receiving) and is 18 rushing yards shy of the 10,000-yard plateau.

“There’s a lot of things about Derrick that make him unique — talent is one of them for sure, and work ethic is another one for sure,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s just a very tough human being.

“Really, the proof is in the results, and you kind of go by what you see. So, when we were evaluating the possibility of bringing him in here, I just think we looked at how he’s been playing. And to see that continue on obviously is great, but we did expect him to play this way, and we’re excited about it.”

Behind a season-best 141 yards on the ground as a team and a pair of rushing scores from Chase Brown, the Bengals (1-3) earned their first win of the season last Sunday in Charlotte, a 34-24 decision against the Carolina Panthers. Cincinnati built a 17-point lead late in the third quarter, scoring a touchdown at the end of the first half and on the first possession of the second.

Ja’Marr Chase scored on a brilliant 63-yard catch-and-run while Joe Burrow completed 22 of 31 passes for 232 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. The Bengals have totaled 67 points in their past two games.

“We’re confident in our group. We’re rolling on offense right now,” Burrow said. “We’ve still left some points out there, which when you score 33, 34 back-to-back and you feel like you’ve left points on the board, that’s a good spot to be as an offense. We’re gonna continue to chase perfection, try to score on every drive. It’s a big opportunity. We thrive in these moments.

“We’re excited about it in front of our fans that we’re gonna need on Sunday. I hope they’re excited, too. We’re putting in the work this week to go out and put our best foot forward.”

The Ravens swept the season series between the teams in 2023 after the squads split a pair of games in 2022.

The Bengals are hopeful to get some defensive reinforcements on Sunday, as defensive end Myles Murphy and defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson began practicing this week and could be activated in time for the game against Baltimore.

Defensive tackle B.J. Hill also returned to practice after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 2. He was limited, as was star defensive end Trey Hendrickson (neck/back). Cornerback Mike Hilton (knee) and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) did not participate.

Linebacker Chris Board (ankle) and corner Arthur Maulet (knee/hamstring) were limited when the Ravens practiced on Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Patriots, Dolphins both looking to turn things around

Changes could be coming for the Miami Dolphins as they prepare to face the New England Patriots on Sunday in Foxborough, Mass.

Miami (1-3) has been feeling the loss of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa over the past two weeks, getting outscored 55-15 in losses to the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans.

With Tagovailoa on injured reserve because of a concussion sustained in a Week 2 setback against the Buffalo Bills, Tyler Huntley started under center against Tennessee on Monday. He threw for just 96 yards on 14-of-22 passing as the Dolphins fell 31-12.

Even though Miami beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-17 in its season opener, it didn’t lead until Jason Sanders booted a 52-yard field goal as time expired. Since then, the Dolphins haven’t been able to get the upper hand on their opponent, making them the first team since the 2017 Cleveland Browns to never hold a lead through the first four games of a season.

“Everything’s on the table,” Miami coach Mike McDaniel said following the loss against the Titans. “You can’t argue that the offense is good. … In a situation like this, I hadn’t really been in one where we haven’t had production consecutively like this.

“So, you really have to open your mind to all things.”

Still, Huntley is expected to draw the start against New England (1-3).

The Dolphins will also have to adjust to life without linebacker Jaelan Phillips, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during Monday’s game.

“I know that my purpose is to inspire people to never give up, no matter how many times you get knocked down,” Phillips said Wednesday in a social media post. “There is nothing in life that you can’t overcome as long as you don’t quit.”

Moving in a different direction offensively is also something that the Patriots are considering.

Lead back Rhamondre Stevenson, who started his season with a promising 120-yard performance on the ground against the Cincinnati Bengals, has been struggling to hang on to the ball. He has one fumble in each of his four games, two of which have been recovered by opposing defenses.

Because of those issues, Antonio Gibson could end up serving as RB1 on Sunday.

“That’s definitely under consideration,” New England coach Jerod Mayo said of moving Gibson up on the depth chart. “I’ve had multiple conversations with Rhamondre. But look, we can’t preach that ball security is job security and still have him out there the majority of the time.

“So, I think it sends a stronger message to the players that there are certain things that we just can’t do to win, especially with the team that we have today.”

Whoever starts at running back will have to get to work behind an offensive line that is now without center David Andrews. The nine-year veteran needs shoulder surgery that will likely sideline him for the rest of the season.

Like Miami, the Patriots have followed a season-opening victory with a three-game losing streak, most recently getting pounded by the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, 30-13. Gibson was New England’s leading receiver, hauling in three catches for 67 yards.

Safeties Kyle Dugger (ankle) and Jabrill Peppers (shoulder) were among those who didn’t practice for New England on Wednesday. Ten players were limited, including receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee), cornerback Jonathan Jones (shoulder) and guard/center Nick Leverett (ankle), Andrews’ replacement.

Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer missed practice on Wednesday due to a shin injury. Offensive tackle Terron Armstead and cornerback Kendall Fuller are dealing with concussions and were limited, as was running back Raheem Mostert (chest).

–Field Level Media

Rookie Caleb Williams leads Bears vs. veteran Andy Dalton, Panthers

The Chicago Bears have found good footing with a rookie quarterback drafted first overall.

That could be another harsh reminder for the Carolina Panthers, who weren’t able to benefit from an overall No. 1 draft pick a year ago, when the teams meet Sunday afternoon in Chicago.

Caleb Williams is running the show for the Bears (2-2) fresh off a stellar college career during which he won the Heisman Award in 2022. Williams has given his teammates confidence in the way he has gone about his first month in the NFL.

“He’s doing a good job of just kind of taking what the defense is giving him,” tight end Cole Kmet said. “Having that awareness and knowing when to be aggressive.”

Williams, who has thrown three touchdowns and four interceptions thus far, said he has developed a better comfort level along with what he has described as regular learning moments. He’s not surprised that the Bears have experienced success after a tough start.

“We expected it and wanted it to happen faster, but that’s the process we’re in,” said Williams, who posted a 106.6 passer rating in last Sunday’s 24-18 win over the Los Angeles Rams (his first triple-digit rating as a pro). “When we get going, just finding that flow, keeping that flow.”

Chicago coach Matt Eberflus said Williams is displaying more patience and is willing to take shorter yardage pickups. For Carolina coach Dave Canales, it’s clear that Williams has been adjusting as it relates to Chicago’s offense.

“It takes time to figure out your identity and they’re working toward that,” Canales said. “They obviously have some skilled players and talent around him.”

The Bears are feeling good after improving to 2-0 at home following the win over the Rams.

The Panthers (1-3), on the other hand, are trying to bounce back from a 34-24 home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4. Even with that, however, they seemed to gain positive vibes behind quarterback Andy Dalton, who replaced Bryce Young as Carolina’s starter.

Young was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2023, but he didn’t generate the early success that has come for Williams. He was benched after two games this season.

Among Williams’ top targets is receiver DJ Moore, who’s in his second season with the Bears after five years with Carolina.

Dalton, a former starter with the Bengals, has thrown five touchdowns across the past two games. The Bears have noticed.

“They’re a team that is up and rising since he has taken over,” Kmet said. “It will be a good challenge for our defense.”

Canales praised the 14-year veteran Dalton’s approach.

“We’ve asked him to hit the first open guy, and he has done that well,” Canales said.

The Panthers also are benefiting from regular production from running back Chuba Hubbard, the first Carolina player with back-to-back games of 120 or more yards from scrimmage since Christian McCaffrey in 2021.

The Bears have been stingy on defense. When the Rams gained 322 yards of offense and racked up 21 first downs, those were the most allowed by Chicago in both categories this season.

“Everyone on our side of the ball is continuing to gel and we know what we’re trying to do defensively,” cornerback Jaylon Johnson said.

The Panthers have more questions on defense with the loss of veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson, who is done for the season with an Achilles injury. Linebacker Josey Jewell (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday, nor did No. 1 wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle).

Left guard Damien Lewis (elbow), right guard Robert Hunt (hip), linebacker Charles Harris (shoulder), defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (foot), and safety Nick Scott (shoulder) were all limited on Wednesday.

Carolina on Tuesday signed linebacker Chandler Wooten, who has previously played in 17 games for the Panthers.

For the Bears, offensive lineman Teven Jenkins (ribs), defensive tackle Zacch Pickens (groin) and cornerback Terrell Smith (hip) did not practice on Wednesday. Kmet (knee) and defensive end Montez Sweat (ankle) were limited.

This is the second straight year that the Panthers visit Chicago, where they lost 16-13 last season. The Bears lead the series 8-3.

–Field Level Media

Bucs visit Raheem Morris’ Falcons in NFC South battle

The host Atlanta Falcons and rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be battling for first place in the NFC South on Thursday in an important early-season matchup.

The winner between Atlanta (2-2) and Tampa Bay (3-1) will own the division’s top spot after the franchises meet for the 62nd time. The Bucs lead 31-30.

Tampa Bay, which has won six of the past eight meetings, vies to strengthen its NFC South lead in pursuit of its fourth consecutive division crown. The Buccaneers rebounded from a poor showing in Week 3, a 26-7 home loss to the Denver Broncos, with a convincing 33-16 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Baker Mayfield threw for 347 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Mike Evans turned in his best showing of the season, hauling in eight catches for 94 yards and a score.

Ahead of a short week, Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles is preparing for a new-look Atlanta team.

“They’re different offensively and defensively,” Bowles said of the Falcons. “They’re playing faster and they’re playing with a lot more confidence. They’ve added quite a few new guys and they’ve got a lot of talent over there. They can beat you a bunch of different ways, so we’ve got to be on our P’s and Q’s.”

One of the aforementioned “new guys” is Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins, who threw for 344 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to Bowles and Tampa Bay last year as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

“(Kirk) is a good football player,” Bowles said. “We played him last year in Minnesota, but he’s in a different offense this time. He’s got a lot more weapons now than he had with just Justin Jefferson and a couple of guys there. He knows how to play the game; he runs the offense well. He knows where to go with the ball and how to get rid of the ball, so he presents a great challenge.”

It’s also a new-look sideline in Atlanta, as first-year coach Raheem Morris has taken over. However, Bowles is no stranger to what a Morris-led team will look like.

“(Raheem) grew up in the next town over from me in New Jersey, so I know him very well,” Bowles said. “He’s a heck of a coach and an outstanding guy. He’s going to bring a lot of fire to those guys, and they’ll be ready to play. … It’ll be a tough battle.”

Aside from reuniting with his New Jersey counterpart, Morris will have many ties to his opponent on Thursday.

Morris served as a defensive assistant in Tampa Bay from 2002 to 2005 and then again in 2007 and 2008, before compiling a 17-31 record as the Buccaneers’ coach from 2009 to 2011.

Before his hiring in Atlanta, Morris was the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, where Mayfield rejuvenated his career in 2022.

“I’ve got so much respect for Baker from when we had him in L.A., and he got a chance to revitalize what he had lost a little bit,” Morris said. “I think Baker is going to do whatever it takes to try to win that football game. Right now, he’s found a nice formula of getting the ball out of his hands, keeping the completions up. He’s got some really good wideouts that he can get the ball to who can catch and run. If you can find a way to take away some of those things, and kind of force the issues or bad habits, I think that’s the way you have to defend Baker.”

Atlanta is coming off a 26-24 win over the New Orleans Saints, in which Younghoe Koo blasted a 58-yard game-winning field goal with two seconds left. The Falcons are in the middle of a stretch of facing a division opponent in three straight games. They travel to Carolina next week.

The Bucs on Wednesday ruled out All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) as well as right tackle Luke Goedeke (concussion), defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (calf) and wide receivers Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion). Standout wide receiver Mike Evans (knee/calf) was a limited participant on Wednesday, as were offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee) and defensive lineman William Gholston (knee).

Nose tackle Vita Vea (knee), who was limited on Monday and Tuesday, was a full participant on Wednesday. Bowles said linebacker SirVocea Dennis (shoulder) will be placed on injured reserve.

For Atlanta, linebacker Troy Andersen was a no-show at practice on Monday and Tuesday with a knee injury. He led Atlanta with 10 tackles and had a pick-six Sunday vs. New Orleans. Running back Bijan Robinson (hamstring), offensive tackle Kaleb McGary (knee) and receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (ankle) were limited on Monday and Tuesday.

–Field Level Media