Coming into this week the morale was high in the Washington Commanders’ locker room; as they were coming off an impressive win against the Packers. Which improved their winning streak to three games. However, coming into this week they would be facing a Minnesota Vikings team that is quietly having a superb season so far. As they currently stand as the second-best team in all of football with a 6-1 record.
This would serve to be a true measuring stick game for the Washington Commanders, as the Vikings are a top 10 team both offensively and defensively. With that, Washington was able to hold their own for majority of the game. So much so, that they were in the driver seat for majority of the second half. As the Commanders’ defense kept them alive and gave them ample opportunities to win the game.
Furthermore, this was a game that was indicative of how Washington has been able to win their last three games. As it was a grind it out type of day for the duration of the game. Which has been the Commanders’ calling card throughout the course of their winning streak prior to the game.
In addition, this was a game that was set on a golden platter for the Washington Commanders to win. However, due to some late miscues late in the ball game they let the win slip right through their hands. Although there are no such things as moral victories in sports. This is definitely a game where the Washington Commanders did a lot of good things. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to secure the victory to show for their fighting effort.
Defense Helps Keep Commanders Alive
As previously mentioned, this was a game that would be a measuring stick as to how the Washington Commanders’ defense would fair off going against a top-rated offense such as the Minnesota Vikings. Who have weapons all over the field from Dalvin Cook in the backfield to their elite wide receiver tandem of Adam Theilen and Justin Jefferson. Not to mention they just added pro-bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson to their offense as well.
As a result of all their fire power this looked to be an uphill battle for the Washington Commanders’ defense coming into the game. However, the Commanders’ defense would deliver big time for them. Displaying resemblance of their top-rated defense that they had in 2020. With their young players in the secondary coming up with some huge plays throughout the course of the game.
To start off the game things started off shaky for the defense; as the Vikings’ offense was able to march right down the field with little resistance. Resulting in them going for a 78-yard touchdown drive to open up the game.
However, ensuing their opening drive Washington was able to keep the Vikings’ offense under wraps for the next three quarters. Pitching a shutout in the second and third quarters. A big contributing factor to that was Washington’s ability to stuff the Vikings’ run game; only giving up 56 rush yards for the totality of the game.
Moreover, the Commanders’ defense played an exceptionally well game. As they got great contributions from their defensive backs in the secondary. Particularly, cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste; as they were all over the field coming up with some huge pass break ups throughout the game.
One of which resulted in an interception just before the half; as Benjamin St-Juste deflected a pass that ended up in the hands of Commanders’ cornerback, Danny Johnson. Which allowed Washington to ride that momentum into halftime as they trialed 3-7. This momentum shift carried throughout majority of the second half for the defense.
Conversely, Washington would have some defensive breakdowns late in the game. Which led to big plays for the Vikings; such as Justin Jefferson’s big 47-yard catch early in the fourth. Washington was able to dig their heels in and limit the damage of the big plays. As they were able to force them into kicking field goals. However, the Commanders tremendous defensive effort was not enough for them to come out with the victory.
Commanders’ Late Mishaps Cost Them the Game
Over the past two weeks the Commanders were able to overcome the turnovers from Taylor Heinicke and still pull out the win. However, this week his late game turnover would prove to be too costly for the Washington Commanders to overcome.
With that, Washington was in complete control of the game in the second half; and seemed as if they had positioned themselves to win the game. As they came out of the gates swinging to start the third quarter.
With the aid of a little interference from the back official; Taylor Heinicke was able unleash an absolute bomb to Curtis Samuel for a 49-yard touchdown. Which gave Washington an early 10-7 lead to start the second half.
Furthermore, Washington was able to tilt the momentum into their favor with that big play. Which they used for the entirety of the third quarter; as they were able to punch in another touchdown two possessions later. With Taylor Heinicke hitting Dax Milne on a whip route to give Washington a 17-7 lead heading into the fourth.
However, Washington would not be able to capitalize on this momentum during the fourth quarter. The following possession the Vikings would go on to cut into the lead; after a pass interference penalty took back a pick six for Benjamin St-Juste. Which led to them kicking a field goal to bring the score to 17-10.
Unfortunately, this would create a snowball effect for the Washington Commanders. Being that on the ensuing drive Taylor Heinicke would overthrow a wide-open Logan Thomas. Resulting in an interception from Vikings’ safety, Harrison Smith.
Consequently, after the turnover from Heinicke the Vikings were given a short field. Which they would capitalize off of; as Kirk Cousins connected with Dalvin Cook for a touchdown in the back of the end zone to tie the game up. Ultimately, this allowed for Minnesota to score 10 points within three minutes of the game.
The untimely mishaps for the Washington Commanders would continue on the ensuing drive after going three and out. Which gave the ball back to the Vikings with just over six minutes left in the game. Following a few chunk plays to T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota found themselves in the red zone threatening to score to take the lead. However, Washington was able to reject them from getting into the end zone and forced them into a field goal.
This allowed for Washington to still have a chance to win the game as they would only be down three points with just under two minutes left. Yet, a bone headed unnecessary roughness penalty from defensive lineman, John Ridgeway, for running into the center would give the Vikings a new set of downs. Thus, allowing for them to be able to run the clock down to kick the game winning field goal.
Now the Washington Commanders must put this tough lost past them and shift their focus to next week. With them heading to Philly for a prime-time Monday night game against their division rival Philadelphia Eagles. Who still remain as the only undefeated team in the league. It will be an interesting to see if Washington can limit the big plays that they allowed in their first matchup. As they look to get their first division win; while giving the Eagles their first loss of the season.
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