The opinions expressed in this article are from national reporters and do not reflect those of the team.
The Washington Commanders are 2-2 following their 37-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Here's how they stack up with the rest of the NFL heading into Week 5.
ESPN
Rank: 16
- John Keim: Washington scored 48 points combined the past two games despite missing a number of starters due to injuries -- including quarterback Jayden Daniels. Against Atlanta, the Commanders were without five players who were expected to be starters entering the season. Only running back Austin Ekeler is lost for the season (torn Achilles), and Daniels could return this week. Other players' statuses remain uncertain, including that of receiver Terry McLaurin. With a defense that gives up too many big plays, Washington needs an explosive offense to win. That means getting healthier.
NFL.com
Rank: 8
- Eric Edholm: In Marcus Mariota's first start in three seasons, he performed ably, shaking off an early fumble to slice up the Raiders. The operation ran smoothly because the run game immediately produced, and Washington set a physical tone for the game. Five different runners carried the ball three times or more, all of them productive.
USA Today
Rank: 13
- Nate Davis: No NFC team is running the ball more effectively (154.8 yards per game), yet no one in this extensive backfield committee has even 200 individually yet on the season. And just wait until QB Jayden Daniels returns ... whenever that might be.
Pro Football Talk
Rank: 17
- **Mike Florio:** They need Jayden Daniels back, ASAFP.
Bleacher Report
Rank: 17
- B/R staff: Michael Penix Jr. and Co. obliterated Washington's defense, with 435 yards from scrimmage and nearly nine more minutes in possession time. Washington left Sunday's actions as a bottom 10 defense, including bottom five against opposing aerial attacks.
Yahoo Sports
Rank: 16
- Frank Schwab: The Commanders can't blame Sunday's loss on missing Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin. The culprit was their defense that gave up 435 yards to a team that was shut out by the Panthers a week before. A Week 5 game at the Chargers seems like a pivot point in their season.
CBS Sports
Rank: 15
- Pete Prisco: They need Jayden Daniels back. But the defense let them down in the loss to the Falcons.
Sporting News
Rank: 15
- Vinnie Iyer: The Commanders have kept their offense running without Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin thanks to a supersub effort from Marcus Mariota. Their defense is just showing more cracks than Dan Quinn would like, causing the so-so start.
Sports Illustrated
Rank: 13
- **Connor Orr:** While this may seem like a massive setback for the Commanders, there have simply been an influx of quality teams into the top 13 this week. I am always curious as to what Marcus Mariota's career may have looked like if he was drafted by someone like Kliff Kingsbury into a more modern NFL that was ready to utilize him correctly.
FOX Sports
Rank: 16
- **Ralph Vacchiano:** The Commanders are expecting Jayden Daniels back this week, which will be a big help to this 2-2 team. But a bigger question for them: When will Dan Quinn fix their sagging defense?
