The Washington Commanders defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-22 Sunday from FedEx Field to begin the 2022 season 1-0.
Buy Commanders TicketsIt was an up-and-down day for Washington, specifically its offense. The Commanders’ offense jumped out to a 14-3 lead before halftime, thanks in part to several errors by Jacksonville’s offense. Trevor Lawrence missed a wide-open touchdown on the Jaguars’ first drive while running back Travis Etienne dropped a touchdown on fourth down just before halftime to preserve Washington’s 14-3 lead.
In the second half, the Jaguars appeared to take control in the third quarter. Wentz was picked off twice and, disappointed, enveloped FedEx Field. Jacksonville suddenly led 22-14.
Wentz then went to work, leading a quick drive down the field where he found Terry McLaurin on a beautiful 49-yard strike to make it a 22-20 game. The Commanders went for two and failed. After another defensive stop, Wentz led another impressive drive, capping it off by finding Jahan Dotson for a 24-yard touchdown. Washington again went for two, this time converting it, and held a 28-22 lead.
Safety Darrick Forrest picked off Lawrence on the final drive, and the Commanders held on for an impressive win.
Here’s everything we know from Washington’s season-opening win.
Final score: Commanders 28, Jaguars 22
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 3 | 0 | 9 | 10 | 22 |
| Washington Commanders | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 28 |
Game notes
- Carson Wentz did Carson Wentz things. What do we mean by that? He looked brilliant at times, passing for 313 yards and four touchdowns. He also had two interceptions. One of which he stared down the receiver on an out route across the field. It led to a field goal. The second was more egregious as he tossed a short pass into traffic, and Jacksonville linebacker Travon Walker picked him off. The Jags immediately turned it into a touchdown. However, Wentz bounced back with two fourth-quarter touchdown passes. Buckle up.
- Running back Antonio Gibson had a terrific game. Gibson carried the ball 14 times for 58 yards, and he also caught seven passes for 72 yards. This is the Gibson Washington wants to see each week. He looked more decisive running the football and can be a difference-maker as a receiver.
- Wide receiver Curtis Samuel showed everyone what the Commanders were missing last season. Samuel carried the ball four times for 17 yards while catching eight passes for 55 yards and a touchdown. Ignore the yards per reception; Samuel made multiple critical catches, always making a defender miss and picking up more yardage. A healthy Samuel is an impact player for Washington.
- Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson combined for three touchdowns. Washington fans should be excited about the wide receivers. This group is legit. In past years, if a Washington quarterback passed for multiple touchdowns, how many were to the running back or tight end? These receivers are capable of the big play at any time.
- Washington’s defense left a lot to be desired. Lawrence missed an easy touchdown in the first quarter, while Etienne dropped a surefire TD before halftime. Cornerback Kendall Fuller was bad. Fuller committed two penalties, was beat deep by Christian Kirk and missed a tackle on a big Jacksonville run. It will be interesting to watch the game back and focus on individual players.
- Safety Darrick Forrest took advantage of his first NFL start in Kam Curl’s place. Forrest delivered multiple big hits, one of which he was flagged for in what was a questionable call. Forrest broke up two passes in the end zone, one of which was a two-point conversion and also had the game-ending interception.
It was over when....
When second-year safety Darrick Forrest picked off Lawrence late in the fourth quarter. Washington appeared to be in control throughout the first half, but things changed in the second half, favoring the Jaguars. Jacksonville was around midfield when Lawrence was pressured by Washington defensive end Montez Sweat. Sweat drilled Lawrence, who, instead of taking the sack, turned the ball loose down the field where Forrest kept both feet in bounds and picked it off to seal the win.
D-FOOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
📺 FOX | #HTTC pic.twitter.com/shXtY85K8u
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 11, 2022
Stars of the game
- QB Carson Wentz: 27/41, 313 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs, 12 rushing yards
- RB Antonio Gibson: 14 carries, 58 yards rushing, 7 receptions, 72 receiving yards
- WR Jahan Dotson: 3 receptions, 40 yards, 2 TDs
- WR Curtis Samuel, 17 rushing yards, 8 receptions for 55 yards, 1 TD
- DT Daron Payne: 3 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 2 passes defended, 3 QB hits
- S Darrick Forrest: 5 tackles, 2 passes defended, 1 interception
Play of the game
We almost went with Wentz’s touchdown pass to McLaurin, but his second TD pass to Dotson gave the Commanders the lead and was the decisive score.
Here is another look at Dotson’s second NFL touchdown reception.
Yo this rookie is the real deal
📺 FOX | #HTTC pic.twitter.com/6dHneR0vy4
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 11, 2022
What's next
The Commanders are on the road in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions. The Lions fell 38-35 to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1 after a late rally fell just short. This will be a difficult matchup for the Commanders. The Lions are much improved and play hard under head coach Dan Campbel.
