Coming into Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions the Washington Commanders looked to get their first 2-0 start to a season in over a decade. However, with a horrific first half it took a Herculean effort for Washington to keep themselves in the game. In the end the Commanders would show their heart, storming back with a great third quarter. Though their efforts weren’t enough to secure the victory in Detroit.
Commanders Offense Bombarded in First Half
Washington played by far the worst half of football that they could have possibly played. Ultimately, the offense constantly found themselves in a lot of third and long situations throughout the first half. All coming on their side of the field, as they never made it across the 50-yard line in the first half.
They were completely dominated in all three phases of the game: offensively, defensively, and on special teams. As a result, Washington’s offense wasn’t able to get anything going for the entire first half. Only being able to garner 56-yards of total offense. While converting only 2-8 on third-down.
A lot of their inability to get things going was caused by their lack of a run game, and not being able to protect Carson Wentz.
Notably, the Commanders tried to establish their running game early on to help open up their passing game. However, they weren’t able to win at the line of scrimmage to open up running lanes for their running backs to get through. As they were only able to get 17 rushing yards for the entire first half.
Coupled with the offensive line’s struggles to win at the point of attack in the rushing game; it also bled into their passing game. The offensive line spent majority of the time in the first half picking Carson Wentz up from off of his back.
Leading to Washington giving up 4 sacks; one of which ending in a safety. As Wentz was under nonstop pressure from Detroit’s defensive line.
Which allowed for Detroit to pin their ears back and get after Carson Wentz with their front four. Stopping Washington from being able to develop any type of rhythm on offense. Only accumulating 39-yards passing for the first half.
Detroit’s Big Time Players Crush the Defense
Consequently, the thing that killed Washington’s defense were the big performances from the Lions’ top two players, Amon-Ra St. Brown and D’Andre Swift. Most of which were caused by their own doing’s from having miscommunications and being out of position.
As a result, the two accounted for over half of the Lions’ total offense. Accumulating 267 total yards for 3 touchdowns between the two. Which proved to be too much for the Commanders’ defense to overcome.
Furthermore, Lions’ number one receiver,Amon-Ra St. Brown, torched Washington’s defense all game long. Going on to have 2 touchdowns on 9 receptions for 116 yards, and 68 yards on two rushing attempts.
St. Brown was a matchup nightmare for the Commanders’ defense. As he constantly made big plays for Detroit. It seemed as if every time Washington was in position to take control, he was there to make a play that just took the life out of the defense.
His biggest play coming late in the fourth quarter. As he snagged his second touchdown of the game, on an 11-yard out route. Which essentially sealed the game for Detroit putting them back up two scores.
In addition to Amon-Ra St. Brown, the other big performance came from Lions’ star running back; D’Andre Swift. Who was a problem for Washington’s defense the entire game. Making big time plays for Detroit running and catching the ball. Going for 56 yards rushing on 5 carries, and 31 yards receiving on two receptions. One of which he took in for a touchdown.
Thus, Swift was able to showcase how dynamic of a player he is. Which he showcased on his 50-yard run in the first quarter; after Commanders’ safety Darrick Forrest overran the play.
Although, his most devastating play for the Washington defense would come on a 22-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. Which put the Lions back up two scores just as Washington had took over the momentum to bring the game back to a one possession game.
Offense Comes Back to Life in Second Half
To start the second half the Commanders received the ball, and were finally able to get things clicking on offense. Which they desperately needed if they were going to have any chance of trying to make a comeback.
Overall, they were able to get the ball to their young trio of receivers for some big plays. Scoring on three out of the four drives that they had in the second half. Which was started off by Jahan Dotson making a difficult catch. Bringing in a 40-yard pass from Carson Wentz on their opening drive of the half.
Then they were able to get Curtis Samuel in a mismatch with a linebacker, releasing him out of the backfield. Allowing him to get open for a 15-yard touchdown catch up the left sideline. Giving Washington their first points of the day. Which was a much-needed spark as they begin their comeback.
Following what looked to be a costly turnover, Wentz would shake back and deliver a necessary 94-yard scoring drive to make it a one possession game. In the drive he was able to deliver some big time plays to his top two receivers; Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel.
Hitting McLaurin for a 35-yard catch on a deep crosser route on the right side of the field. Along with Samuel on a 27-yard catch who was wide open along the right sideline. The drive would be capped off with a 20-yard touchdown to his big tight end, Logan Thomas, down the left hash on a streak.
This brought Washington back to life, as they found themselves back in reach of the Lions. Causing them to take the momentum away from the Lions and their fans.
Defense Not Able to Get a Late Stop
However, after momentarily coming up with some big stops early in the third quarter. Washington would revert back to the bad habits that caused them to be down in the first half. Just as they were making their way back into the game.
Consequently, the Commanders now found themselves in a shootout, going touchdown for touchdown with the Lions on their next two possessions. As their defense wasn’t able to get the one key stop to get the ball back into the hands of their offense. Who were hot and clicking on all cylinders in the second half.
Moreover, the Commanders came up short in their impressive comeback effort in the second half. As a result of their putrid offensive first half and struggling defense.
Washington now heads back home for their first division game to face the Philadelphia Eagles. This will be a measuring stick game to see how the Commanders fare against one of the top teams in their division. As they possess immense talent on both sides of the ball.
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