If you had asked any Washington fan if the Commanders would allow 33 points, most would expect a double-digit loss. That’s just life for most Washington fans over the years.
However, in Week 2 of NFL action, the Commanders, down 21-3, completed an impressive comeback to hold off the Denver Broncos, 35-33, to move to 2-0 on the season. It’s Washington’s first 2-0 start since 2011.
Buy Commanders TicketsSunday’s win over Denver was undoubtedly a tale of two halves for the Commanders. Still, fortunately for Washington, things started to change in the second quarter when the Commanders trimmed Denver’s lead to 21-14 before halftime.
For the most part, Washington dominated the second half. However, those final 30 seconds or so had fans thinking, “Oh no, not again,” when Russell Wilson’s Hail Mary landed in the arms of Denver wide receiver Brandon Johnson to make it 35-33. Fortunately for the Commanders, Wilson’s two-point attempt failed, and Washington completed the impressive comeback.
Here’s everything we know from the win.
Final score: Commanders 35, Broncos 33
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
| Washington Commanders | 3 | 11 | 7 | 14 | 35 |
| Denver Broncos | 14 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 33 |
Why the Commanders won
Washington has lost games like this for years. The Commanders won this because of quarterback Sam Howell and the defensive line. Let’s not shortchange anyone else; this was the definition of a team win. But Howell was outstanding. The more he plays at this level, it’s going to be difficult to deny him.
The defensive line, Chase Young, Montez Sweat and Daron Payne, specifically, combined for 12 tackles, four sacks, four tackles for loss and eight QB hits. James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill and Jamin Davis all had sacks, too. The Commanders combined for seven sacks and 14 QB hits.
It was over when....
Washington cornerback Benjamin St-Juste broke up Wilson’s two-point conversion attempt to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Yes, this game came down to the final play, which happens far too often for Washington fans. There were moments when the game changed, but it wasn’t over until St-Juste ensure there would not be overtime.
Turning point
.@youngchase907 gets him out of the pocket@jamindavis25 forces the fumble
Cody Barton recovers📺 #WASvsDEN | CBS pic.twitter.com/kPGFzHPgdm
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 17, 2023
When you discuss this game, Jamin Davis chasing down Wilson and forcing the fumble is a play you should remember. It changed the game. The Broncos were up 21-3 and driving. Washington’s defense badly needed a play. Chase Young chased Wilson out of the pocket, and Davis hustled across the field to deliver the blow. The ball pops loose, and Cody Barton recovers. Howell led a critical drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Logan Thomas.
Player of the game: QB Sam Howell
No turnovers for Sam Howell in his first NFL road start. He’s now 3-0 as a starting quarterback. And let’s stress this: Sam Howell is not a game manager. Washington’s game plan was for Howell to attack downfield, which led to 30 first-half passing attempts. And regardless of whether he’s sacked or has a negative play, Howell picks himself up and keeps slinging the football.
Against the Broncos, Howell completed 27 of 39 passing attempts for 299 yards and two touchdowns. He had multiple high-level throws, including a beauty to Terry McLaurin for a touchdown. Howell also rushed for 13 yards and had another long run called back.
The Commanders do not win this game without Howell. A huge performance from the second-year passer.
News and notes
- Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for 87 yards, two touchdowns and finished with 42 receiving yards. He had at least three runs for 10 yards or more where he carried defenders.
- Antonio Gibson’s number won’t stand out. But his screen reception was one of the best plays he’s had in four years. You could see how special he is in the open field. And there was one run where he was stopped in the backfield and he showed excellent vision with a cut to move past the defender and gain the first down.
- Dyami Brown saw significant playing time, finishing with three receptions for 25 yards.
- Logan Thomas was lost for the game with a concussion. Thomas’ touchdown catch, along with Davis’ forced fumble, were game-changers for the Commanders. Hopefully, the news is good for Thomas, as concussions are tricky as it pertains to timelines.
- 10 different players caught a pass, and nine had at least two receptions, setting a franchise single-game record. Impressive.
- The Commanders had seven sacks and 14 QB hits.
What's next
Next up is the Buffalo Bills, a Super Bowl contender led by an MVP candidate, QB Josh Allen. This is a massive game for the Commanders.
