The Washington Commanders didn’t pick up a first down until five minutes and 45 seconds remained in the first half. By that point, Washington trailed 22-0.
Coming out of halftime with the football, the Commanders finally went to work on offense, but it was far too late to overcome the first-half hole as Detroit defeated Washington, 36-27. The Commanders fall to 1-1 on the season.
Buy Commanders TicketsWashington quarterback Carson Wentz completed 30 of 46 passes for 337 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Unfortunately for Wentz, he was under pressure all day as the Lions sacked him five times.
On two occasions in the second half, the Commanders cut Detroit’s lead to one possession, but the defense allowed the Lions to march back down the field.
When running back Antonio Gibson scored in the fourth quarter to make it 29-21, head coach Ron Rivera inexplicably went for a two-point conversion and failed. The Lions scored again, making it a 36-21 game.
Again, Wentz took the Commanders down the field, finding rookie wide receiver Jahan Dotson for the touchdown. This time, Washington kicker Joey Slye misses the point-after attempt to essentially end the game.
The Commanders allowed 425 total yards to the Lions, including 191 rushing yards. Detroit averaged seven yards per play.
Meanwhile, Washington’s running game never got going, as Gibson rushed for 28 yards on 14 attempts. As a team, the Commanders rushed for 88 yards.
It was a valiant effort from Washington’s offense, but the hole was too deep to overcome Sunday.
Next up for the Commanders is the Philadelphia Eagles, as Wentz faces the team that drafted him.
