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The Washington Commanders have been in complete control against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. They were already up 20-10 when wide receiver Jaylin Lane put together a highlight as he took back a punt 90 yards to extend the lead.
Lane was a fourth round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, as the Commanders took him with the No. 128th pick out of Virginia Tech. During his time for the Hokies last season, he showcased the ability to make big plays in the return game as he returned a punt for a score there as well.
Not only has he been contributing in the special teams game, but he is also getting snaps as a receiver. He had a catch in each of the first two weeks.
The Commanders special teams have been dominant all day, as Deebo Samuel started the game off with a 69-yard return. Washington was able to finish off that drive as quarterback Marcus Mariota went in and scored a rushing touchdown.
Getting a big performance from the special teams is a huge bonus on Sunday, as the Commanders are without superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels. The second year quarterback suffered a sprained knee in the loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 2, and Mariota has filled in as the starter on Sunday.
Any time a team is using their backup quarterback, others on the team have to step up, and that is exactly what the Commanders have been doing on Sunday.
Along with the special teams, the defense has also been very good on Sunday. The Commanders have allowed only 143 yards midway through the third quarter to the Raiders, and they have sacked Geno Smith five times.
For Washington, there was a worry that the team was becoming too reliant on Daniels. Being able to get a complete team performance is just what Dan Quinn’s team needed in this game.
Daniels status moving forward is currently unknown, and they have a big NFC game next weekend against the Atlanta Falcons. If he is unable to go, the Commanders will once again have Mariota leading the show. They will need all three phases of the game to complement each other, just like they have on Sunday.
For more on the Commanders, head to Newsweek Sports.
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