Ensuing their heartbreaking loss this past Sunday at home against the Tennessee Titans; that pushed their losing streak to four games. The Commanders didn’t have to wait long to get that bad taste out of their mouth. As they traveled to Chicago to face off against the Bears for their primetime Thursday Night game. Although, the game was far from being any semblance of a primetime game.
Moreover, it was a slow grind it out game for the Commanders offense. As they were vying to get any offense going for a large portion of the game. Being that it was a defensive slug fest for the duration of the game. With both teams seeming as if they were allergic to putting up any points on the board.
However, in a game where they had to scratch and claw for every single point. The Commanders were able to put together a couple of drives when they needed it most. Thus, giving them the edge in a hard-fought game. While it wasn’t a pretty win for them; it was one that was desperately needed with how their season has went thus far.
Defense Comes Up Huge to End Losing Streak
Although the defense wasn’t perfect and had some of their bad habits show up; that have plagued them in their losing streak. As they gave up multiple big plays in the game; particularly in the running game. Which amounted to them giving up over 200 yards on the ground. Despite that, they were able to dig their heels in and get some key stops; that were imperative to their victory.
As previously stated, this was a defensive battle between both teams. Therefore, it was critical that the Commanders’ defense come up with stops to continue to give their offense opportunities to get on the board. As it proved to be a game that came down to the team that was able to hit double digits first.
With that, Washington’s defensive line was able to impose their will on the game. Coming up with some much-needed stops on the goal line. Shutting down Chicago on the goal line on consecutive drives; in which they gave up zero points in the red zone.
Notably, coming up with a big turnover on the goal line at the end of the first quarter. As the Bears were threatening to score the first points of the game. A deflected pass off of a player’s helmet landed right into the hands of Commanders defensive lineman, Jonathan Allen. Who received his first career interception.
On the ensuing drive Chicago once again found themselves in the red zone. Following a huge 64-yard run from Bears’ running back, Khalil Herbert. Despite that, the Commanders’ were able to clamp down defensively and forced them into 4th and goal from the 1-yard line. Where they were able to stuff the run; keeping them out the end zone to get the turnover on downs. Thus, allowing them to pitch a shutout in the first half.
The tenacious pass rush of the Commanders was also a problem for Justin Fields and the Bears’ offense. As Washington was able sack him five times throughout the game. Causing Fields to constantly have to pick himself up from off the ground; due to the immense pressure that they put on him.
Similarly, to their game on Sunday against the Titans, the game came down to one final drive. Though, this time the outcome would be on the shoulders of the defense. Who found themselves in need in yet another goal line stand with just under a minute left in the game.
After a scramble from Fields and a couple of incomplete passes; the game was decided by one last play. As Fields looked to his right, he threw to his number one target, Darnell Mooney, who got open on a whip route. However, Mooney was ruled just short of the end zone after bobbling the ball. Which gave the Commanders’ the stop they needed to get the hard fought and ugly win.
Turnovers Turn the Tide
Throughout the course of their losing streak, the Commanders have been a bottom of the barrel team as it pertains to creating turnovers. Only accumulating a single turnover throughout the first five weeks of the season. As they haven’t had a turnover since their opening day game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Conversely, they were able to flip the script against the Bears and come up with two crucial turnovers in the game. Which helped turn the tide for them in the game; as both turnovers came at critical points in the game.
Being that Chicago was poised to take control of the game if not for their turnover. The two turnovers the Commanders caused were essential in them seizing the momentum from the Bears’ home crowd. Thus, giving their offense key opportunities that would result in them winning the game.
The biggest turnover would come halfway through the fourth quarter at a crucial moment where the game was hanging in the balance. As the Commanders were still trailing 6-7 and were forced to punt; after being stopped short on third down. Consequently, forcing them to have to send out the punt team rather than going for it on fourth down.
However, this decision would prove to be beneficial for Washington. As all-pro punter, Tress Way, was able to force Chicago’s rookie punt returner, Velus Jones Jr., to muff the punt. Fortunately, for the Commanders they were able to pounce on top of the ball at the bottom of the dog pile.
Hence, giving them the ball back at the 6-yard; allowing for them to punch the ball in to regain the lead late in the fourth quarter. Which would ultimately end up being the game winning touchdown for the Commanders.
Brian Robinson’s First Career Touchdown
The tragic incident that occurred to Commanders’ rookie running back Brian Robinson has been well documented. As he was victim to an armed robbery where he would be shot twice in his leg. Thus, taking him out of the game of football for what many believed would be the entire season if not the rest of his career.
Though, Robinson is a fighter and would not let that tragic incident hold him back from chasing his dreams. As he would go on to make his NFL debut this past Sunday; just six weeks post-surgery after being shot. Although his debut wasn’t highlighted by a big performance; only getting 9 carries for 22 yards. He was able to show that he hadn’t lost a step after the incident.
In addition, he was also able to gain confidence not only within himself but within the coaching staff. That he was going to be able to be the caliber of player that he showed during the preseason. Resulting in him getting his first career start after getting the nod as RB1 ahead of Thursday’s game.
Robinson would show why deserved to be the starting running back, going for 60 yards on 17 carries. While it wasn’t eye popping numbers that Robinson put up. He was able to gain some tough yards on the ground. That was needed in a game that was rough and rugged from start to finish.
He would also give Washington the lead late in the fourth quarter as he was able to punch it in from the one-yard line. Giving Washington their only touchdown of the game. Also, it would be the first one of his budding career. Conclusively, winning the game for the Commanders’ and ending their four-game losing streak.
Now Robinson and the Commanders travel back home to enjoy an extended rest period as they prepare to host Aaron Rogers and the Green Bay Packers next week. As they look for what would be an impressive victory against one of the better teams in the NFC.
