The first offensive drive for the Washington Commanders went 74 yards on eight plays and ended with quarterback Carson Wentz finding wide receiver Curtis Samuel on a zig route for a six-yard touchdown.
The touchdown gave the Commanders an early 7-3 lead. The Jaguars settled for a field on the game’s opening drive.
Washington’s first play resulted in Wentz sailing a pass over the head of a wide-open Jahan Dotson. Wentz then completed his next four passes on the drive.
That included a screen pass to undrafted rookie tight end Armani Rogers for 23 yards.
Later in the drive running back Antonio Gibson showed off his versatility along with offensive coordinator Scott Turner’s play-calling. Gibson ran a sail route out of the backfield with a two-back formation before hauling in a 26-yard catch to get inside the 5-yard line.
Two plays later Wentz connected with Samuel.
Last year, Samuel was a free agent disappointment. Groin and hamstring injuries limited him to 84 offensive snaps in his first season with Washington. It’s surely a huge lift for Samuel to get back to full health and make an immediate impact to start his second season in burgundy and gold.
