UKHTTC Week One – Quick Takes

The Commanders opened their 2025 account with a statement victory at home against the New York Giants.

UKHTTC founder, Christian Burt, shares his immediate reaction to the 21–6 win at Northwest Stadium.

Defense dominates

A contract-year Daron Payne is a sight to behold. Alongside his fellow linemen, the Commanders’ front four consistently harassed Giants veteran QB Russell Wilson. Wilson, once so elusive in Seattle, looked a shadow of his former self. You get the sense New York might be tempted to accelerate the timeline on their first-round rookie QB, Jaxson Dart, if this trend continues.

Washington’s Front Office made it a clear mission this offseason to “beef up” the defensive line – and on this opening showing, that investment looks very well spent. A shout out to Javon Kinlaw who had a fine showing in burgundy & gold.

Rookies: the good and the still learning

Bill Croskey-Merritt, taken in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, wasted no time showing why many labelled him a steal. Washington will rotate backs in a committee approach, but Croskey-Merritt flashed genuine big-play potential – including a dazzling 42-yard run. Early signs suggest moving on from Brian Robinson Jr. may not sting as much as some feared.

At corner, Trey Amos was thrust straight into a starting role and largely held his own. Keeping tabs on a dynamic rookie like Malik Nabers is no easy assignment, and Amos showed composure in coverage.

Not every rookie debut was smooth sailing. At right tackle, Josh Conerly Jr. endured a baptism of fire against pass rusher Brian Burns, who managed to beat him clean for a couple of sacks

Age is just a number

Plenty has been made of the Commanders’ veteran-heavy roster. But if you’re lining up each week with the likes of Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, Tress Way, and Nick Bellore, that’s hardly a weakness. Experience, leadership, and savvy matter in a long season – and Washington has it in spades.

Bonus ball

How would Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin click after the Terry hold-out for much of camp?. In Week One, that connection wasn’t quite firing. Daniels did overthrow what looked like a sure touchdown, and McLaurin finished with just two catches – though both were important chain-movers.

Instead, it was Deebo Samuel who shone as Daniels’ go-to weapon, leading the team in targets and topping 75 receiving yards alongside a highlight-reel rushing touchdown. Expect the Daniels-McLaurin link to sharpen as the season progresses – but in the meantime, Washington fans can enjoy a new dynamic threat in burgundy and gold.

✅ Bottom line: A dominant defensive showing, some kinks to iron out in offense, rookies flashing both brilliance and raw edges and the veterans setting the tone. Washington is 1–0, and already looking like a team with intentions to make the post-season.