GLENDALE, Ariz. – Brian Robinson Jr. seemed surprised by his emotional state as a serious smile crossed his face.

The third-year running back experienced postgame joy throughout his career at the University of Alabama. The highlights were more fleeting and were buried by numerous failures among the professionals. The collapse in the final month of 2022 cost the Washington Commanders a playoff spot. The eight-game losing streak at the end of last season resulted in several job losses.

The slide continued this season with a 17-point loss in the opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, highlighting the concerns predicted with this team. But Robinson, a hard-nosed power back coached by Nick Saban, stood in a nearly empty visiting locker room at State Farm Stadium, processing the return of a long-lost feeling.

“I know I get really excited about winning,” Robinson said. “You know, just to let people know it’s fun to win, man.”

In fact it is.

As rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and his teammates walked off the field just minutes earlier, it was clear that Robinson wasn’t the only one processing his emotions after Washington’s dominant 42-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

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Right guard Sam Cosmi and others were enthusiastically greeted outside the locker room by members of the ownership group and general manager Adam Peters. Cosmi, one of the holdovers who has struggled with the unrelenting chaos in recent years, embraced minority partner Mitchell Rales. The hug from the sweat-drenched lineman whose job it was to keep Daniels’ jersey clean didn’t bother Rales, a lifelong burgundy and gold fan.

As soon as you entered the locker room, a resounding roar could be heard behind closed doors. Coach Dan Quinn’s message after the game included the announcement that there would only be a single ball for the time being. “There’s one (mother) who won’t leave without it,” Quinn said before bellowing his offensive coordinator’s first name, Kliff Kingsbury.

“Cliff!” Quinn yelled before a successful handoff to the former Cardinals head coach, who laid out an excellent game plan that put Daniels in a position to succeed. The Commanders dominated the Cardinals in yards (449 to 296), first downs (29 to 17) and on the scoreboard.

“When I came back against his former team,” Daniels said, “I know it (Kliff) meant a lot.”

…CLIFF!!!!!!!@budlight | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/74IA9wRGCW

– Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 29, 2024

The executor of Kingsbury’s vision is the primary owner of the organization’s newfound enthusiasm. Daniels, the No. 2 pick in April’s draft, has already produced enough high-level talent to create the kind of what-if scenarios that star quarterbacks create. Daniels, who has the best four-game completion percentage (82.1) in NFL history, went 26 of 30 for 233 yards and a touchdown pass.

Daniels also scored his fourth rushing touchdown in four games. Touchdowns on the first two drives – rushing scores by Robinson and Jeremy McNichols – extended Washington’s streak of consecutive scoring possessions to 16. Robinson had 101 yards on 21 carries. McNichols, who replaced the injured Austin Ekeler (concussion), had touchdown runs of 27 and 7 yards and 74 total yards.

The quarterback threw his first career interception on a pass to Terry McLaurin, who faltered a bit. Daniels said there was no side discussion with coaches about the move, a testament to his ability. He later hit McLaurin for a 10-yard touchdown.

JD5 ➡️SCARY TERRY

📺 #WASvsAZ FOX pic.twitter.com/Uk5SzmnSvd

– Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 29, 2024

Statistics alone do not provide an accurate indication of Daniels’ glorious career start. Whatever is thrown at the rookie, like a seven-point deficit before he touches the ball for the second straight time or an avalanche of attention after his explosion Monday night, can easily be swept away.

“The kid is special,” said tight end Zach Ertz, who was pleased with the victory over the organization that released him last year after three seasons with the Cardinals.

Daniels had his reunion last week. He began his college career at Arizona State University for three years before transferring to LSU. The commanders also practiced on the Tempe campus throughout the week. Whatever memories came flooding back, Daniels, like on the field Sunday, never seemed stressed or worried.

“I knew there were some additional stories here at ASU,” Quinn said. “Much like Kliff, you would never have known.”

However, the one-sided victory brought a revelation. It turns out Daniels isn’t flawless. For the second time in a row, he came damn close. What’s even more notable is that for the first time in four games, Daniels didn’t need to.

The Commanders’ defense throttled Kyler Murray and sacked the shifty quarterback four times. After Murray’s touchdown pass to rookie sensation Marvin Harrison Jr. on the game’s opening drive, the Cardinals were unable to score again until James Conner’s rushing touchdown with 11 seconds left in the third quarter.

With the score 4-1 at Washington’s 35 in the final minute of the first half, defensive end Dorance Armstrong came over the edge and sacked Murray. “He held the ball for a minute,” said Armstrong, who had 1 1/2 sacks.

The special forces team immediately contributed by forcing a fumble on the opening kickoff, but Arizona was able to recover it. Kicker Austin Seibert made two field goals to remain perfect since being traded to Washington before Week 2. Then there’s Tress Way. The longest-serving player on the roster hadn’t punted since Week 1. After a rare three-pointer on offense, Way scored on a 51-yard kick.

He also had his foot stepped on while running to celebrate with the surveillance unit. “I felt like I got to experience (the game) again with a little pain, a little joy and a lot of fun,” the player said. “But this is a really good time.”

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Washington can achieve comprehensive victories. Who knew? The players and coaches, who spent weeks practicing and honing their craft, had confidence. Every day they experienced the calm atmosphere and dynamic playmaking that have become Daniels’ trademark while other inexperienced passers struggled.

“No surprise,” said linebacker Bobby Wagner, one of Washington’s best defenders, who didn’t play in the preseason. “We knew we had a team and we had the players. I just had to put it together.”

Last week, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said his group was “not playing the type of ball we want.” This is a fair rating as Washington ranked last in third down conversion percentage allowed and Cincinnati scored 33 points without punting or committing a turnover. Whitt continued with a revealing statement that came true on Sunday.

“We’re closer than people think,” he said.

The next round of league-wide and local topics will be about where this Washington story goes now. Daniels’ ceiling is unlimited. The defense has shown that it can be a viable partner. The commanders’ division rivals each have their own strange storylines.

Wagner, a 13-year veteran, isn’t ready to project anything. He’s seen teams go weeks without a loss, only to collapse at the end of the season. But he also recognizes that something is happening to this group. The rookie quarterback has a lot to do with the never-easy task of winning.

“It’s hard to win,” Robinson said. “After a nine-game losing streak it is very, very difficult. Getting back on the upswing… it feels good.”

(Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)