“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.
Denver 17, Washington 10 – Week 8, October 31, 2021
Melvin Gordon’s seven-yard run broke a tie, giving the Broncos a 17-10 win over the Washington Football Team at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
In a frustrating day for the Washington offense, quarterback Taylor Heinicke was intercepted twice by Denver’s Justin Simmons, two drives ended in missed field goals from new kicker Chris Blewitt, as Washington only managed to generate ten points.
If that wasn’t bad enough center Chase Roullier who had been the most reliable and dependable offensive lineman for the last couple of seasons, broke a bone in his lower leg, was carted off and lost for the remainder of the 2021 season.
Blewitt’s 52-yard field goal with 5:25 remaining in the first half tied the score at 3-3. However, Gordon scored on a 15-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater with only 1:11 remaining in the half, propelling the Broncos to a 10-3 lead.
With only 20 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Taylor Heinicke connected with receiver DeAndre Carter for a 20-yard touchdown, tying the score at 10-10.
After the Gordon touchdown, Taylor Heinicke connected with J.D. McKissic for 19 yards and then Dax Milne for 22 yards, taking Washington down to the Denver 29. On 3rd & 6, Heinicke’s pass to DeAndre Carter gained 14 yards for a first down at the 11.
But Heinicke, looking for Cam Sims, was intercepted by Simmons, stopping the drive and clinching the game for the Broncos.
Chase Young then forced a Gordon fumble, and Washington had one last opportunity. But could not move the ball to tie the score.
Denver raised its record to 4-4, while Washington fell to 2-6.