The Washington Commanders appeared to be on the way to another ugly loss in the first half of Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers. After quarterback Taylor Heinicke’s interception was returned 62 yards for a touchdown by Green Bay linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, the Packers led 14-3 in the second quarter.
It was Heinicke’s first start in 2022 in place of injured Carson Wentz. He was atrocious early in the game. In addition to his interception, he had other multiple passes that either could have or should have been picked off.
Yet, before halftime, Heinicke led the Commanders down the field, finding running back Antonio Gibson for a nine-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 14-10.
In the second half, Washington began on offense. On that first drive, Heinicke made his best pass of the day, finding wide receiver Terry McLaurin for a 37-yard touchdown pass to give the Commanders a 17-14 lead — the first of the day.
It’s a lead Washington never relinquished. The Commanders had two more promising drives, which, unfortunately for them, ended in field goals. That meant it would be up to Washington’s defense to keep Aaron Rodgers out of the end zone.
Rodgers, who struggled at times with his lack of help at wide receiver, found star running back Aaron Jones on a touchdown pass down the left sideline late in the fourth quarter to cut Washington’s lead to 23-21. It was a terrific play by Rodgers and Jones.
Washington went back on offense as McLaurin made one catch to get the Commanders to their own 43-yard line. Two plays later, Washington faced a 3rd-and-9 when Heinicke again found McLaurin for a 12-yard gain and a first down, essentially ending the game for the Commanders.
The Packers did get the ball back, but there wasn’t enough time on the clock for Rodgers to create more magic and Washington comes away with its second consecutive win.
Heinicke played an excellent second half and finished the game, completing 20 of 33 passes for 201 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. Rodgers completed 23 of 35 passes for 194 yards with two touchdowns — both to Jones.
McLaurin proved his value by catching five passes for 73 yards and a touchdown.
Washington’s running game finished with 166 rushing yards, as rookie Brian Robinson Jr. led the way with 73 yards on 20 carries. Antonio Gibson ran the ball 10 times for 59 yards and caught three passes for 18 yards and a touchdown.
Washington heads to Indianapolis next week. No, we don’t get the Carson Wentz revenge game, but fans do get Daniel Snyder vs. Jim Irsay.
