Commanders Snap Skid Behind Special Teams Spark from Rookie Jaylin Lane
The Washington Commanders finally got a much-needed win in Week 15, edging out the New York Giants on the road in a game that was anything but clean. Despite some late-game nerves-including a pair of fumbles from quarterback Marcus Mariota and running back Jeremy McNichols-Washington held on to snap a frustrating losing streak.
But let’s be honest: this game turned on a single electric moment right before halftime.
With the Giants threatening to steal momentum heading into the break, rookie wide receiver Jaylin Lane flipped the script in a flash. Fielding a punt in solid position, Lane dodged the first wave of defenders, slipped a couple of would-be tacklers, and then hit the jets. Eighty-three yards later, he was in the end zone, giving Washington a 19-7 lead and a jolt of energy they desperately needed.
That return wasn’t just a highlight-it was a statement.
Lane’s Special Teams Impact Is Pro Bowl-Worthy
Lane’s touchdown marked his second punt return score of the season, making him the only player in the NFC with multiple punt return touchdowns this year. That’s not just impressive-it’s rarefied air. Coming into the game, Lane was averaging 11.7 yards per return, trailing only Seattle’s Tory Horton and Rashid Shaheed (who began the season with the Saints) among NFC returners with a meaningful number of attempts.
For a Commanders team that hasn’t seen a punt return touchdown since Jamison Crowder took one back in 2016, Lane’s emergence has been a breath of fresh air. The fourth-round pick out of Virginia Tech has given Washington’s special teams unit a dynamic edge they’ve sorely lacked, and his knack for flipping field position-or just taking it all the way-is turning heads across the league.
Offense Still a Work in Progress
Lane’s contributions on special teams have been undeniable, but his impact as a receiver is still a work in progress. He went without a catch for the third straight week, and ball security has been an issue, with drops and fumbles limiting his offensive upside. The Commanders haven’t found a consistent rhythm in the passing game, and Lane hasn’t been able to carve out a reliable role just yet.
That said, not every rookie needs to be a dual-threat right away. What Lane is doing in the return game is already elite. And in a season where Washington hasn’t had many bright spots, his explosiveness has been a difference-maker.
A Lone Bright Spot in a Tough Season?
The Commanders may not be sending a crowd to the Pro Bowl this year, but Lane is building a strong case to be their representative. With limited competition in the NFC and a resume that includes multiple return touchdowns, he’s earned a spot in the conversation.
In a game defined by miscues-two missed field goals from Younghoe Koo on the Giants’ side, and those late fumbles from Washington-it was Lane’s game-breaking return that stood tall. It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough. And for a Commanders team that’s been searching for a spark, Jaylin Lane might just be the ignition they’ve been waiting for.