The Washington Commanders picked up their second consecutive win on Sunday, defeating the Green Bay Packers 23-21 in Week 7 action from FedEx Field.
It was a wild game full of highs and lows for Washington, specifically on offense. Quarterback Taylor Heinicke, making his first start in 2022 in place of the injured Carson Wentz, had a horrible start to the game. Heinicke was high, low and behind on his throws. The low point of his first half came when Green Bay linebacker De’Vondre Campbell picked him and returned it 62 yards for the touchdown, giving the Packers a 14-3 lead.
Heinicke responded with a strong second half, leading the Commanders to an important win — their second win in a row.
Here’s everything we know from Washington’s latest win.
Final score: Commanders 23, Packers 21
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
| Green Bay Packers | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
| Washington Commanders | 3 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 23 |
Why the Commanders won
There were several heroes in Washington’s win. The defense was excellent yet again. Perfect? No, but this unit deserves some praise. Offensively, the line continues to gel and improve. Running backs Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson Jr. were critical. Rookie tight end Armani Rogers delivered when he had the opportunity. Wide receiver Curtis Samuel continues to show everyone why he was a priority free agent in 2021.
But the Commanders don’t win this game without Heinicke and Terry McLaurin. Every McLaurin catch was massive. In total, he had five receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. However, he made some huge catches on third down, and the two catches on Washington’s final drive show the importance of McLaurin to this team. A phenomenal effort against one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks.
Heinicke had a tough start, but it’s his resilience that may be his best quality. He always bounces back. He made multiple huge plays in the second half when he was under pressure to help deliver a win for Washington.
Commanders top performers
- QB Taylor Heinicke: 20/33, 201 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
- RB Brian Robinson Jr.: 20 carries 73 yards; 2 receptions, 13 yards
- RB Antonio Gibson: 10 carries, 59 yards; 3 receptions, 18 yards, touchdown
- WR Terry McLaurin: 5 receptions, 73 yards, touchdown
- WR Curtis Samuel: 5 receptions, 53 yards; 5 carries, 26 yards
It was over when......
WILD final play in Packers vs. Commanders pic.twitter.com/43gdABzBgr
— NFL (@NFL) October 23, 2022
Literally, the final play of the game. With Aaron Rodgers, the game is never over until the final whistle, which was the case Sunday. This was a tremendous effort on the biggest longshot play in football.
Game notes
- Antonio Gibson had his best day of the year. Gibson was used perfectly in this game. He had several good runs and made his impact as a receiver and as a kick returner. He needs to be featured more in different roles moving forward. A unique weapon.
- Taylor Heinicke struggled badly in the first half. He was much better in the second half, and things seemed to change after that touchdown pass to Gibson in the first half. He began looking to McLaurin more.
- Rookie tight end Armani Rogers was pressed into duty and delivered. He caught three passes for 28 yards. This is a player who should continue to be featured. Washington even used the former college QB as the Wildcat quarterback in the red zone on a direct snap. Would like to see more creativity from offensive coordinator Scott Turner.
- McLaurin is a star. He doesn’t get down on himself or his teammates when things aren’t going his way. He was outstanding on Sunday, always making a big play when his team needs him the most. McLaurin is the king of contested catches.
- It’s time we praise this defense and coordinator Jack Del Rio. People do not want to praise Del Rio because of his comments over the summer, and that’s unfair. If you want to criticize him when the team struggles, it’s only fair to praise him when he doing a fine job.
- Linebackers Cole Holcomb and Jamin Davis played their best game as a pair all season. If these two can continue to deliver collectively, it’s huge for Washington’s defense.
- The penalties on Washington’s final drive essentially handed Green Bay its final touchdown. All three kept the drive alive, and you can’t do that with anyone, especially Rodgers.
What's next
The Commanders get the Indianapolis Colts on the road next week. Unfortunately, this isn’t the Carson Wentz revenge game, but the whole Jim Irsay/Daniel Snyder stuff should lead to some interesting conversations throughout the week. The Colts are 3-3-1 on the season.
