The Washington Commanders fell to 0-2 in the preseason after Saturday’s 24-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
While the Commanders opened the game with the football, they couldn’t sustain a drive. Enter Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes led the Chiefs on a relatively easy 12-play, 87-yard drive that lasted over five minutes to give the Chiefs a 7-0 lead.
After another Washington punt, Mahomes led the Chiefs on another scoring drive early in the second quarter.
Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz had the chance to answer, but as Washington moved across midfield, back-to-back negative plays led to another punt. Head coach Ron Rivera decided he’d seen enough from his first-team offense.
On Washington’s final series of the first half, Taylor Heinicke entered the game at quarterback. Heinicke led an impressive 11-play, 84-yard drive, ending with a touchdown pass to Cam Sims. Heinicke completed eight of 10 passes for 78 yards on the drive.
After playing one series in the second half, Heinicke departed for rookie Sam Howell.
Howell led the Commanders on one scoring drive with several outstanding throws that culminated with a Jaret Patterson touchdown. Unfortunately, Howell was intercepted on his next series, and the Chiefs scored a touchdown a few plays later to take a decisive 10-point lead.
The Commanders finish the preseason next week with a trip to Baltimore to face the Ravens.
Wentz completed six of nine passes for 64 yards, while Heinicke completed nine of 12 for 83 yards and a touchdown. Howell completed 10 of 18 attempts with 118 yards and one interception.
