Despite what you have often heard in the last decade, defense can still win NFL games.
Sunday, the first game of the new ownership group headed by Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales, was very much a celebratory tone. Until the Commanders offense committed three first-half turnovers and thus trailed the Cardinals 13-10 at the half.
With Washington still trailing 16-10 late in the third quarter, the Cardinals faced a 3rd & 15 from their own 35. Montez Sweat broke through, sacked quarterback Josh Dobbs, who fumbled and Daron Payne recovered on the Cardinals 29 with two seconds remaining.
TURNOVER
Montez Sweat forces the fumble and Daron Payne recovers.
Commanders with excellent field position as they attempt to come from behind.#HTTC | @_sweat9 @94yne pic.twitter.com/SquDsnBrse
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 10, 2023
It was exactly what the offense had needed, struggling as it was. Following the three first-half turnovers, the Commanders offense on its two second-half possessions had run 7 plays gaining 0 yards and 3 plays for two yards.
So, taking over on the shortened field of 29 yards, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy had his offense give the ball to running back Brian Robinson Jr four consecutive plays, which gained 21 yards. Following a Sam Howell incompletion, Chris Rodriguez ran for two more, setting up a 3rd & Goal at the 6.
Howell took the deep snap, dropped back, then rolled left, tucked the ball in and scored standing up. The Commanders were up 17-16 and would not relinquish the lead.
Again when the defense gave the Commanders the ball, they were 3 & out, punting back to the Cardinals. Again it was Dobbs who fumbled and again it was Sweat making the play on Dobbs. This time DT Abdullah Anderson recovered at the Arizona 37.
Joey Slye added his second field goal of the day for a 20-16 Washington lead with 2:23 remaining.
The final Cardinals’ possession produced only 12 yards in six plays as the defense again held, giving the Commanders a win in their 2023 opener.
When the day was concluded, the defense had held the Cardinals to 9 points. Remember, Sam Howell’s second-quarter fumble had granted the Cardinals a defensive touchdown from two yards.
Picking up from where they were last season, the Commanders defense held the Cardinals offense to converting only 4 of 14 third downs. Unlike last season, the defense forced two second-half turnovers and it was enough for the Commanders defense to save the Commanders offense and get the Week 1 win.