Tag: QB Russell Wilson

When they last met: Commanders and Seahawks

Kendall Fuller was the hero the last time these two teams played.

“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.

Washington 17, Seattle 15 – Week 12, November 29, 2021

Kendall Fuller intercepted Russell Wilson’s two-point pass attempt with 15 seconds remaining, sealing Washington’s 17-15 win over Seattle at FedEx Field.

With 2:25 remaining, Washington led 17-9 and faced a 4th & goal from the 4. Kicker Joey Slye had pulled a hamstring earlier in the game, so Ron Rivera chose to go for the touchdown rather than a chip shot field goal to go up two scores.

Taylor Heinicke’s pass to Logan Thomas was caught and called a touchdown. However, replay revealed Thomas did not have control of the ball as he went to the ground and the Seahawks took over at their own 4 with 2:19 remaining.

Suddenly, the Washington defense was not in control. Russell Wilson completed seven passes and the Seahawks found themselves with a 1st & 10 at the Washington 32.

Wilson then connected with receiver Freddie Swain for a 32-yard touchdown with 15 seconds remaining, narrowing the Washington lead to 17-15. This set the stage for Fuller’s game-saving interception in the end zone for Washington.

Seattle’s onside kick was then recovered by Washington receiver Adam Humphries as Washington (5-6) escaped with a narrow victory on Monday Night Football.

Taylor Heinicke completed 27 of 35 for 223 yards, including one touchdown and one interception. Antonio Gibson rushed for 111 yards on 29 carries. He also led with 7 receptions for 35 yards.

Commanders’ Rivera respects Broncos HC Payton

Rivera and Payton have battled one another 17 times.

Ron Rivera has been around the NFL block a few times.

Rivera was the head coach of the Carolina Panthers from 2011-19. That’s nine NFL seasons as the guy with the most weight on his shoulders, which involves planning, vision casting and oversight of all the coaches and players.

In addition, every single one of those seasons, Rivera had to face off against Sean Payton. Payton was then head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Which means not only did Rivera’s team play against Payton’s team, but being in the same NFL division, Rivera had to square off against Payton not once, but twice each season.

“It was always difficult because you know, Sean’s one of those guys that has a lot of answers, he really does. Just because he knows how he wants to attack you and if you counter it, he has something prepared, ready to go. And [Defensive Coordinator] Jack’s [Del Rio] gone against him as well, so we both have a pretty good understanding. But there’s always still that unknown with him.”

For a decade, Rivera had to prepare to face Drew Brees. Sunday, he will have to face another Super Bowl winner,  quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson’s play dipped sharply last season. But Wilson did look better last Sunday against the Raiders.

“I see he still has a good arm, good mobility back there,” Rivera said of Wilson. “They talked about how he had lost weight, and you see it. He’s moving well. He’s still a good decision-maker. He gets the ball out quick. He’s got an NFL arm still. I think he’s still learning and growing in Coach Payton’s offense.”

Rivera knows Payton will not be too concerned Sunday with keeping every one of his players happy. Payton will be out to execute his plan to win.

“He utilizes his playmakers very well, and the idea is trying to get the ball to them as quickly as possible,” Rivera said. “And I think Russell has the type of arm that can suit it and fit very well. So, I think as they work together and they grow, they’re gonna become more and more efficient, and they’re gonna cause a lot more problems for people.”