“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.
Houston 23, Washington 21 – Week 11, November 18, 2018
The Texans had led the entire game until Washington drove 67 yards in ten plays to take the lead with 11:57 remaining on Adrian Peterson’s 7-yard touchdown run which tied the game and Dustin Hopkins’ subsequent PAT provided the first lead for the Burgundy and Gold at 21-20.
Deshaun Watson led an 8-play drive, with perhaps the key play being the final offensive snap of the ball. The Texans faced a 3rd & 20 at the Washington 47. Watson completed a short pass to his right to Jordan Thomas, but Thomas managed to gain 11 yards down to the Washington 36. This gain put the Texans within range for the Fairbairn game-winner.
After a Washington punt, its defense yielded two first downs to the Texans. When the Texans then faced a 3rd & 5 at the Washington 37, Jonathan Allen and Matt Ioannidis tackled Watson for no gain. However, Josh Norman was called for holding, gifting the Texans another first down to run down the clock further.
Colt McCoy had replaced Alex Smith who was injured horribly on a sack by Houston’s Kareem Jackson midway through the third quarter. J.J. Watt also arrived just after Jackson, also landing on Smith. Washington trailed 17-7 when McCoy entered the game, and Smith’s injury a double compound fracture of the lower leg meant Smith was out for the rest of the 2018 season and all of 2019.