Commanders’ heartbreaking loss in overtime to Broncos showed something that’s been missing all season
The Commanders lost, but showed that they’re better than what we’ve seen all season.
The Washington Commanders fell to the Denver Broncos at home in a 27-26 overtime thriller that had everything you could ask for in a primetime game.
It’s been a tough season, but the Commanders were coming out of the bye week to prove a point in the final six games. First up was a top AFC team in the Broncos, who would be a real test on both sides of the ball. They went toe to toe with a top team in the NFL and ended up being a missed 2-point conversion away from a statement win.
The Commanders came up one play short and fell to 3-9, but they showed something that’s been missing all season: a competitive team that can stand up to the best.
The Commanders showed their potential in a heartbreaking overtime loss
The expectations were high this season after we saw the Commanders go on a magical run last year, and it hasn’t gone as planned. This loss is tough to swallow when you see how hard the team fought to the end, and how their potential really shone through. Terry McLaurin was back from injury again, and reminded people just how good he is with seven catches for 96 yards and the touchdown in overtime that gave them a chance to win.
McLaurin missed eight games this season, and injuries have been a major factor in why the Commanders have a losing record. You have to imagine what this team would look like if he had been healthy all season. We also saw Treylon Burks make a highlight reel one-handed catch for a touchdown, and he looks to be a weapon for this season and next.
Tight end Zach Ertz missed some big plays at times, but he also made some as well, and finished as the leading receiver with 10 catches for 106 yards. This offense could’ve been dangerous if McLaurin and Jayden Daniels stayed healthy all season, after doing this against the best defense in the NFL.
The offense wasn’t the only competitive side of the ball, as the defense also showed up again and looked much improved than it has all season.
The defense had another improved showing
It wasn’t perfect, and it shouldn’t be expected with their injuries, but we saw them make plays throughout the game. The defense looked improved against the Miami Dolphins, and it needed to do it again. Its worst drive of the game came in overtime, which hurt, but it also kept the team in the game and gave it a chance, which we’ve never said this season.
Quarterback Bo Nix made some tough throws, but the Commanders held them to only 87 yards on the ground. Nix also had an interception thrown to Bobby Wagner, and only scored 27 points in an overtime game.
Of course, it’s hard to find a positive in a loss, and there’s no moral victories in the NFL, but this game showed the Commanders team we expected to see all season. This is the kind of game you can build on and find confidence in to finish strong with Daniels potentially returning next week.