The Washington Commanders started fast, as quarterback Sam Howell found running back Brian Robinson Jr. for a 51-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring. Unfortunately for the Commanders, kicker Joey Slye missed the point after, likely due to a high snap.
On Seattle’s first possession, the Seahawks were driving when Washington cornerback Emmanuel Forbes was called for unnecessary roughness on a helmet-to-helmet hit, giving Seattle a first down in the red zone.
Unbelievably. Forbes was ejected.
Washington’s defense held, forcing a field goal.
The Commanders again moved the ball down the field but stalled in Seahawks’ territory, and Slye drilled a 49-yard field goal to extend Washington’s lead to 9-6.
The Seahawks responded with another field goal, and the Commanders had a chance with over a minute-and-a-half remaining in the half to score again. However, Washington went three-and-out.
Seattle took over and was quickly moving the ball down the field until Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith was brought down by Washington defensive end Casey Toohill late. Smith got rid of the ball as he went down, but officials ruled intentional grounding, which ended the half.
It was a quiet first half for Washington’s offense outside the first drive. It appeared the Commanders planned to keep everything short and quick in the passing game. Wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson combined for just four targets and two receptions in the first half.
Howell completed 15 of 21 passes for 133 and a touchdown. Washington ran the ball only five times for 10 yards in the first half.
Robinson led the Commanders with three receptions for 55 yards.
Seattle quarterback Geno Smith completed 16 of 27 passes for 152 yards. Seattle held the ball for around 16 minutes of the first half and finished with 225 total yards.
Washington’s defense clearly operated on a bend-but-don’t-break philosophy in the first half. For the Commanders to win, they’ll need to get pressure on Smith to disrupt the Seattle passing game.
