When you are down 21-3 in an NFL game, there is lots of blame to go around. When you come back and win the game, there are many heroes. That’s the case for the Washington Commanders, who came from behind to defeat the Denver Broncos, 35-33, in Week 2 action.
As the Commanders fell behind 21-3, the defense was being beaten for big plays. Quarterback Sam Howell was holding the ball too long, and the offensive line was getting pounded like a drum.
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However, the Commanders came back, and it was a total team effort. We name our studs and duds from the win.
Stud: QB Sam Howell
Sam Howell never really struggled against the Broncos. Yes, he took four sacks. Two of which he likely could’ve avoided if he had gotten rid of the ball sooner. However, he did not turn the ball over. He never flinched when his team was behind 21-3. Howell had multiple instances where he showed everyone he has the ability to be a franchise quarterback. Howell is no game manager. He stands in the pocket, keeps his eyes downfield, and, for the most part, does a good job of throwing the ball away when needed.
Howell completed 27 of 39 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns. Washington won because of Howell. How often can we say that of Washington’s quarterbacks over the years?
Dud: LT Charles Leno Jr.
Leno called for the hold on this really nice 17yr scramble by Howell😡 pic.twitter.com/IwHUTPQIuQ
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 17, 2023
It was a rough first half for Leno. He gave up multiple pressures, a really bad sack and had a golding call that wiped out an impressive Howell run. Fortunately, Leno settled down and played better in the second half.
Stud: RB Brian Robinson Jr.
Brian Robinson had one of his best NFL games against the Broncos. He ran over people. He ran through people, and on his second touchdown, he ran around people. It was an impressive performance, as Robinson rushed for 87 yards on 18 attempts, and caught two passes for 42 yards. He had two touchdowns and has three in two games. I also want to mention Antonio Gibson. Gibson was terrific in his own right on one screen play and another run where he showed excellent vision in making a defender miss before gaining the first down.
Dud: LS Camaron Cheeseman
We aren’t picking on Cheeseman, but he has one job. While almost all of his snaps were good, he had another bad snap in the first quarter, costing the Commanders three points. Rivera mentioned it’s a concern but becomes an issue when he costs the team. He hurt the team on Sunday. Will he have competition this week?
Stud: TE Logan Thomas
Thomas caught two passes for 22 yards, including a touchdown. Not big numbers, but his touchdown reception was critical in Washington’s comeback. Thomas was hit violently — and illegally — by Denver DB Kareem Jackson — a repeat offender. Yet, Thomas impressively held onto the ball and the Commanders cut into Denver’s lead and the comeback was on. This play was critical in Washington’s win. Sadly, Thomas was forced to leave the game with a concussion.
Dud: LB Cody Barton
Cody Barton blocked out of your screen pic.twitter.com/GTd42hgelC
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 17, 2023
Barton wasn’t as bad as last week, but he still struggled at times. I saw multiple opportunites for Barton stop a play sooner and he failed to deliver. Some of it is due to still learning the defense, but players across the league are learning a new defense this season and are making plays. Barton is slow to react at times. Seattle let him go for a reason. Barton can still turn things around, but his struggles are evident at times. Maybe, he’ll continue to improve each week. That’s the hope.
Stud: The defensive line
The defensive line took over the game in the third quarter. It all started on Denver’s first possession of the second half. Daron Payne had a sack, a tackle for loss and batted down a pass — on one series. The Commanders socred a touchdown on their next series. Payne was phenomenal. Chase Young came back and was active throughout the game. He did have two penalties, but he was playing hard and fast. His positive plays far outweighed the penalties. Young’s healthy. He’s fired up and was relentless on Sunday. That was an encouraging performance from Young.
Oh, yeah, Montez Sweat was dominant, too, recording four tackles, one for loss, 1.5 sacks and three QB hits.
Stud: OC Eric Bieniemy
Washington offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and Howell are attached at the hip this season. They are both attempting to prove themselves in different ways. Bieniemy is looking to finally land a head-coaching opportunity, while Howell is trying to prove he belongs. In two games, the pair have confidence in one another, and Bieniemy has an excellent feel for when to keep his foot on the gas, or when to focus on the running game. This Washington offense looks competent, with the potential to be really good. That’s a credit to Bieniemy.
