The Washington Commanders, in their first game without edge rushers Montez Sweat and Chase Young, defeated the New England Patriots 20-17 to improve to 4-5 on the season.
Quarterback Sam Howell was mostly excellent, completing 29 of 45 passes for 325 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. We say mostly because of Howell’s interception to end the first half. After leading the Commanders on a terrific drive, Howell, on first-and-goal with 23 seconds remaining, is intercepted in the end zone by Patriots safety Kyle Dugger.
It was Washington’s second turnover in the first half, both of which were costly. The Commanders led 10-0 in the second quarter when running back Brian Robinson Jr. fumbled deep in Washington territory. The struggling Patriots offense made them pay when quarterback Mac Jones found tight end Hunter Henry for a touchdown three plays later, and suddenly, we had a game.
After a Washington punt, New England running back Rhamondre Stevenson took advantage of a defensive breakdown and scored on a 64-yard touchdown run.
The Commanders had dominated yet found themselves behind 14-10.
In the third quarter, after a Patriots’ field goal, Howell led a seven-play, 75-yard drive, finishing with this beautiful 33-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jahan Dotson.
Suddenly, it was a tie game again.
After another New England punt, the Commanders would drive down the field for a Joey Slye field goal, which would be the final points for the game.
The two teams traded punts over each of their next three possessions. The Patriots had one chance to tie the game and force overtime or win, and quarterback Mac Jones was intercepted by Washington rookie DB Quan Martin to seal the game for the Commanders.
It was an ugly win for Washington, which held the ball for over 37 minutes and finished with 432 yards of total offense.
Next up for the Commanders are the Seattle Seahawks on the road.