Deebo Samuel sets the record straight and reminded everyone exactly who he is with an explosive debut for the Commanders
Deebo Samuel had to remind people what makes him so good.
What a surprise, Deebo Samuel is still a game-changer, and the Washington Commanders stole him for just a fifth-round pick this offseason. His presence was felt in many ways in his debut with the Commanders, which resulted in a 21-6 win at home.
It only took one game to see how the team would use Samuel, and buckle up for a big season from him on offense and special teams as well.
Welcome to Washington, Deebo Samuel
All offseason, quarterback Jayden Daniels got to spend all the time in the world with Samuel since Terry McLaurin sat out waiting for his new contract, and the time spent together instantly paid off. Samuel started the game as a kick returner on special teams and had two returns for a total of 50 yards. His biggest impact, however, was felt on offense, and in more ways than one.
He looked like his classic self, which is what the Commanders were hoping to get, and a healthy Samuel will be a huge piece of this offense all season long. We wondered just how much Samuel would be used on offense, and where he would fit, and we found out that anything is possible with him on offense.
We saw Samuel become the top target for Daniels by a very wide margin and finished as the leading receiver with seven catches for 77 yards. He also led with 10 targets, which was double what Ertz had as the second-most-targeted player. Terry McLaurin only had four targets in his first game back, showing once again how valuable the time Daniels had with Samuel was, and it translated to Week 1.
Daniels showed that he trusts Samuel, and we should expect more of this connection throughout the season, especially while McLaurin knocks the rust off on the field. Samuel spoke after the game about his connection with Daniels.
“I didn’t know what it was going to look like, to be honest,” Samuel said. “Just getting here, but as the flow kept going throughout OTAs and camp, how well we were connecting, we just started to build chemistry, and we just showed it today.”
Play of the game
The Commanders’ offense stalled out for a long time and seemed to be stuck at 14 points, which kept the Giants in the game. That was until Samuel made the play of the game to put the game on ice and calm the nerves of everyone watching. He was only used once in the run game, but that’s all it took for him to have a highlight reel play.
Samuel went in motion and took an end-around from Daniels, which led to him fighting through tackles and full-body extending to the endzone for a huge, much-needed touchdown.
Expect a heavy dose of a classic Samuel this season. He led the team in targets and receiving yards, all while scoring a game-sealing touchdown on the ground in the run game. Kliff Kingsbury has a real weapon on offense, and he will let Samuel flourish with the Commanders this year.
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