Following their heartbreaking loss at home last week against the New York Giants the Washington Commanders looked to bounce back this week. As they were excited to get some essential players back on the defensive side of the ball. With former Defensive Rookie of the Year, Chase Young, making his season debut and starting cornerback Benjamin St-Juste returning from an ankle injury.
Furthermore, Washington came into this week being 4-0-1 in their last five games on the road. With their playoff chances slipping drastically after their loss last week, this was a game where they needed to pull off another huge upset to stay afloat in the playoff race.
With that, the Washington Commanders hit the road to face off against the San Francisco 49ers in search of an early Christmas gift. However, it would be no easy task for the Washington Commanders to continue their winning ways on the road. With the 49ers coming into the game as the hottest team in the NFL; riding a seven-game winning streak. Which can be largely attributed to their elite defense that is ranked as the top defense in the NFL.
Despite that, the Washington Commanders were able to match up evenly with the 49ers in the first half. As they leaned on their running game early to help them control the clock; while also having their defense be able to get some necessary stops.
However, things would take a turn in the second half for the Commanders with their offense committing untimely turnovers on back to back possessions. Which put the Washington Commanders behind the eight ball; as they were never able to recuperate. Resulting in them trailing behind by two possessions for the duration of the second half.
Fortunately for Washington, prior to their game both the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions would lose in their games. Which allowed for the Washington Commanders to be able to maintain their half-game lead in the Wild Card race despite the loss. As they continue their efforts to hold onto their final slot in the NFC Wild Card.
Washington Commanders Match 49ers in First Half
To kick off the game the Washington Commanders offense would get off to a slow start offensively. As they would go three and out on their first possessions of the game; where they would go for negative yards. Thus, causing them to only be able to muster up -4 yards of total offense to kick off the game.
Despite the offense getting off to a sluggish start, the Washington Commanders were able to play complementary football in the first half. As the defense was able to bow their back and get some key stops to keep them in the game. Moreover, the Washington Commanders’ defense would step up to the plate on their first drive of the game.
As the defense delivered a big time stop on a drive where it seemed as though the 49ers were destined to put up points on the board. After they were able to put together a nine-play drive that totaled for 50 yards. However, on a 3rd & 1 the Washington Commanders All-Pro defensive lineman, Jonathan Allen, would get into the backfield to stuff the run to force a fourth down.
Ensuing that, the 49ers would choose to be aggressive and go for it on fourth down instead of kicking a field goal. Which allowed the Commanders to keep them off the board as they would come up with the early stop to set the tone.
Unfortunately, on the ensuing drive for the Washington Commanders’ offense they wouldn’t be able to take advantage of their defense’s big stop. As they would once again go three and out during their possession. However, the defense would quickly get the ball back into the hands of the offense after they were able to force a three and out of their own.
Conversely to their first few drives of the game; the Washington Commanders were finally able to find their rhythm on their third drive of the game. As Taylor Heinicke was able to connect with both Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson for some big time plays on two third and longs. Which helped them extend the drive and pick up some momentum as they went down the field.
A few plays later Heinicke would hook up with Dotson for yet another big time play on the drive. As Heinicke would scramble out to his right and deliver a dime to Dotson for a 25-yard gain on a deep crosser route. Which positioned them into the red zone after he was pushed out of bounds at the 5-yard line. Consequently, the Washington Commanders wouldn’t be able to garner any points out of the drive. After being shut out of the end zone from the 1-yard line on 4th & Goal; following four straight running plays.
Things would continue to go downhill for Washington; being on the next possession their defense would allow the 49ers to go on a 99-yard scoring drive. Subsequently, San Francisco’s offense would pick up after converting on a big third and long themselves. Which would lead to them breaking loose for a huge play just two plays later. With wide receiver, Ray-Ray McCloud III, busting loose for a 71-yard touchdown up the right sideline on a jet sweep to give them a 7-0 advantage.
The following drive for the Washington Commanders’ offense wouldn’t amount to much after a costly holding penalty negated a spectacular 39-yard grab from Jahan Dotson. Ultimately, the offense would stall and be forced to punt following the penalty. Though, they wouldn’t be on the sidelines for long. As the defense would have their back once again and deliver the ball back to them; after getting a much-needed turnover. After safety, Darrick Forrest, was able to bring in an interception off of the hands of a 49ers’ receiver.
Sequentially, the Washington Commanders’ offense was now set up with great field position from inside 49ers’ territory. However, they would once again find themselves in another 3rd and long situation and needed to put up some points to get back into the game. With that they would look to Curtis Samuel, who came up with a huge 14-yard reception to help extend the drive.
That catch would prove to be beneficial as a couple plays later Washington would finally get into the end zone. As Heinicke would find Jahan Dotson on a beautifully drawn up out route in the back of the end zone for their first touchdown of the day. Allowing for the Washington Commanders to tie the game up just before halftime; giving them a fresh start to come out of halftime.
.@JahanDotson with the score‼️
📺 #WASvsSF CBS pic.twitter.com/WyK5XUcDoO
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 24, 2022
Heinicke’s Turnovers Cost the Washington Commanders Once Again
Coming out of the locker room for halftime the Washington Commanders’ quickly found themselves down two scores halfway through the third quarter. As the defense allowed a scoring drive on the opening possession of the third quarter. After giving up a devastating 34-yard bomb to All-Pro tight end, George Kittle, on third down for the 49ers opening touchdown.
On the contrary to the first half the Washington Commanders were not able to play complementary football in the second half. Being that the offense was not able to help out the defense by putting together any long-lasting drives of their own to give them a rest. With their first drive of the second half ending quickly in a three and out.
Though the defense would return the favor and deliver a three and out themselves to give the ball back to the Washington Commanders offense. On the ensuing possession the offense would quickly put the defense back onto the field. As they would turn the ball over on downs after being stuffed once again on a 4th & 1; though this time it was on their side of the field.
As a result, the defense would be forced to try and limit the 49ers to a field goal; being that they were starting from inside the Washington Commanders territory. However, their attempt would foiled by George Kittle once again. With him breaking loose down the left sideline for a 33-yard touchdown just two plays into the possession. Which consequently gave the 49ers their two-possession advantage in which they would not relinquish for the rest of the game.
Although, Heinicke was able to lead the Washington Commanders’ offense on a scoring drive at the end of third quarter. After connecting with Terry McLaurin for a 51-yard bomb; which set them up in the red zone. He was able to connect on a 3-touchdown to McLaurin just two plays later to bring the Washington Commanders back within a touchdown.
However, for the second week in a row it was Heinicke’s turnovers that squandered their chances at making a comeback in the game. As things would drastically fall apart for him following that scoring drive. Being that, the Washington Commanders now found themselves in a shootout with the 49ers. After they would answer back with a scoring drive of their own; which was concluded in a field goal to put themselves back up two possessions.
Following that, the Washington Commanders needed an to answer back themselves to try and keep the game within reach; to position themselves for a late comeback. However, just two plays later Heinicke would cough up the ball after being sacked by 49ers’ defensive end, Nick Bosa. Thus, placing the ball back into the hands of the 49ers once again from inside the Commanders territory. Though this time the defense would be able to make a stand and hold them to a field goal to keep the game at a two-possession deficit.
With that Heinicke once again had an opportunity to try and bring the game back into grasp for the Washington Commanders. Unfortunately, he would be inadequate in doing so. Once again, he would commit a costly turnover inside of the Commanders territory.
As he would look to try and make an off balance throw to Brian Robinson in the middle of the field. Unfortunately, there was miscommunication between the two; which resulted in the ball being thrown into the hands of a 49ers’ defender. Therefore, San Francisco was given the ball inside Washington territory for the second possession in a row.
As a result of Heinicke’s back-to-back costly turnovers in the fourth quarter, Ron Rivera would sit him down for the rest of the game. Choosing to bring in Carson Wentz off of the bench to take over for the remainder of the game. Though Wentz was able to make things interesting with a late game touchdown drive; the deficit was ultimately too much to come back from for the Washington Commanders.
Will Ron Rivera Go Back to Carson Wentz?
As previously stated, following Taylor Heinicke’s two turnovers in the fourth quarter Ron Rivera chose to insert back up quarterback, Carson Wentz, into the game. Which made for his first appearance in a game for the Washington Commanders since fracturing his ring finger back in Week 6.
After coming into the game Wentz played fairly well under the circumstances. As he was able to put up comparable numbers to Heinicke in his limited time on the field. With him going 12/16 on his throws for a total of 123 passing yards; to go along with a touchdown.
Upon coming into the game Wentz was able to lead the Washington Commanders on a scoring drive in the beginning of the first quarter to bring the deficit to 10-points. As he was able to matriculate his way down the field with some easy completions for 5-yard gains. After making their way into 49ers’ territory, Wentz was able to deliver a nice ball to Curtis Samuel for a 20-yard completion for a touchdown.
CARSON TO CURTIS
📺 #WASvsSF CBS pic.twitter.com/8vd6Z2byBR
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 24, 2022
Notably, this would be Wentz’ only drive in the game, as the final drive of the game he was not able to do much with the clock running out. While he was only able to put together a small sample size; he was able to do some nice things while on the field.
Significantly, this now forces Ron Rivera to make a tough decision as to who he will hand the keys to the offense too moving forward in their playoff push. When asked about his decision post game Rivera stated that he will consider the ‘whole picture’ when deciding on the quarterback. This decision will be a crucial one as whoever takes over will be tasked with trying to keep the Washington Commanders afloat in their playoff surge.
As they now look forward to heading back home next week to face off against the Cleveland Browns. Who have been revitalized after getting starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson, back from his 11-game suspension to start the season.
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