The Washington Commanders (4-5) picked up their second victory since Week 2 on Sunday by holding on for a 20-17 win over the New England Patriots (2-7).
Washington controlled much of the game, but turnovers almost cost them a win. Leading 10-0 in the second quarter, running back Brian Robinson Jr. fumbled deep in Washington territory, giving the struggling Patriots life.
Three plays later, New England quarterback Mac Jones found tight end Hunter Henry for the touchdown, and it was 10-7.
The Commanders punted on the next series, which was followed up by a Rhamondre Stevenson 64-yard touchdown run, and suddenly, the Patriots held a 14-10 lead.
Washington quarterback Sam Howell led another impressive drive to give the Commanders a first-and-goal with 23 seconds remaining in the half. Howell rolled to his right and, instead of throwing it away, got greedy and was intercepted. New England ran out the clock.
Howell found Jahan Dotson for a 33-yard touchdown in the third quarter to tie things up, and kicker Joey Slye would give the Commanders the lead later in the quarter, which would prove to be all they needed for the win.
Here’s everything we know from the win.
Final score: Commanders 20, Patriots 17
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
| Washington Commanders | 3 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 20 |
| New England Patriots | 0 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 17 |
Why the Commanders won
Quarterback Sam Howell was excellent against the Patriots, save for one play. We discussed how costly that interception was for the Commanders, costing them valuable points in a close game.
But, let’s be honest, Washington doesn’t win this game without Howell. He made multiple high-level throws throughout the game, and his 24-yard scramble on third-and-24 was highlight-worthy. On Washington’s final drive, facing a third down, Howell had Dotson open for a first down that would’ve likely clinched the game but was greedy, throwing deep for Dyami Brown. It was incomplete. He’d probably like to have that decision back.
It was over when....
Rookie defensive back Quan Martin picked off Mac Jones with under a minute remaining to seal the win for the Commanders. Martin, a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, hasn’t played a lot on defense this season, but that’s beginning to change.
This game should’ve never been this close, but the end result still favored the Commanders.
Player of the game: QB Sam Howell
Howell’s numbers speak for themselves. He was terrific for much of the day. There were a couple of plays he’d like to have back, but he was efficient, decisive and continues to do a good job of getting rid of the football. Howell was sacked three times, but one of those was on a play he had given himself up. Howell had multiple high-level throws in the win, including the touchdown pass to Dotson. Before his lone interception, he hit Dyami Brown in the end zone and the ball went right through his hands.
Game notes
- Washington’s running game was good enough. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy did a good job of mixing things up. While the preference is to pass, Bieniemy still kept Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson involved. Robinson led the Commanders with 63 rushing yards, while Gibson rushed for 34 yards and also caught five passes for 42 yards. Gibson was quietly outstanding for Washington.
- A roughing the passer penalty on Commanders rookie DE KJ Henry was a horrendous call. No matter who you rooted for, everyone on social media saw the same thing: Absolutely horrible call. Not only did it wipe away Henry’s first NFL sack, but it cost the Commanders three points and excellent field position.
- When you take away Henry’s sack, the Commanders had zero sacks on the day. Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen didn’t impact the game, and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio wasn’t creative enough with his pressure packages to make a struggling quarterback uncomfortable. The Commanders had one QB hit on the day.
- The Patriots rushed for 107 yards on 19 carries. However, take away Rhamondre Stevenson’s 64-yard touchdown run, New England only had 18 attempts for 43 yards. It was a good effort from the run defense.
- Rookie Emmanuel Forbes returned from his benching and played a solid game for the Commanders.
What's next
Next up is a road game against the Seattle Seahawks. Playing in Seattle is always tough, and the Seahawks are a good team despite Sunday’s blowout loss to the Ravens.
