Commanders Take Denver to Limit; Lose in OT 27-26

Give the Washington Commanders credit. In a lost season, in a time period where they historically play poorly, they showed poise and professionalism.

It still didn’t matter on the scoreboard.

The Sunday Night Football matchup with the Denver Broncos was supposed to be a blowout but Washington (3-9) went toe to toe with the top seed in the AFC for almost 70 minutes, losing on a failed two point conversion in overtime, 27-26.

“It just felt like those are the games you do love to be a part of, the absolute battles,” head coach Dan Quinn said. “Two teams, like going for it, throwing punches back and forth and you know, I hate the outcome, but I loved the fight. It’s been tough as hell for a while. And I thought our guys played hard as hell.”

Washington played one of its most consistent games of the season on both sides of the ball and while it wasn’t enough to engineer an upset in prime time, it did give fans a window into what could be down the stretch and into 2026. The defense, a unit that went through a four game stretch giving up an average of 38 points per game, turned in it’s second solid week, limiting the Broncos to just 20 points in regulation and just 87 yards on the ground.

“We played well as a unit. We communicated,” defensive back Mike Sainristill said. “I think, like I said, every time that question gets asked is, we’ll play our best ball when we’re all on the same page. And I feel like we were able to do that today, we got a turnover when it mattered. So I think just when we’re all on the same page, when we prepare how we are supposed to prepare, we go out there and perform how we are supposed to perform.”

Offensively, Washington was once again functional. Quarterback Marcus Mariota completed 28 of 50 pass attempts for 294 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He directed eight drives of nine plays or more including an 18 play drive that culminated in a Jake Moody field goal to send the game to overtime and an 11 play drive in overtime to answer the Broncos touchdown.

“We’re going in the right direction,” Mariota said. “It’s not exactly where we wanna be, but I think putting together a great week of practice, I think we just continue to stack these. Regardless of what it looks like for us, it’s all about the process and the journey. The more that we can find ways to improve week to week, I think that sets a solid foundation for what’s to come.”

By controlling the clock with the running game, Washington was able to limit the Broncos to just two field goals in the first quarter and a half of the game. The Commanders took a 7-6 lead with 2:21 left in the second quarter when Chris Rodriquez scored on an eight yard touchdown run.

Denver was able to regain the lead at the half as Broncos quarterback Bo Nix found Courtland Sutton on an 11 yard scoring throw with 23 seconds left before half to make the score 13-7 at the break.

Washington regained the lead on it’s first possession of the second half when wide receiver Treylon Burks made a spectacular one handed catch in the end zone to give the Commanders the lead, 14-13. The catch instantly went viral and had players and coaches singing the praises of the former number one pick who has the potential to become a big play receiver.

“Yeah his hunger index is high,” Quinn said. “Like this a guy that is wanting to prove it, and there’s always a space for that type of competitor here. Coming in, man, like this was a fresh space. And to see him express how important it is, how hard he wants to go compete, like it’s been cool to see.”

The return of Terry McLaurin and the play of veteran tight end Zach Ertz also boosted the offense. Ertz led all receivers with 10 receptions and 106 yards. McLaurin, playing in his first game since reinjuring a quad muscle, caught seven passes for 96 yards and a touchdown.

“You can just see the type of attention he gets,” Ertz said. “And how much more space there is in the middle of the field with a guy like [WR] Terry [McLaurin] out there. And then just his playmaking ability. It doesn’t matter who’s guarding him, he makes plays. And so, I love that we have him back out there. His game speaks for itself.”

Trailing 20-14 to start the fourth quarter, Washington was able to put together two drives that ended with Moody field goals. The lats one as time expired in regulation. Washington started the overtime period kicking off, a strategy that seemed to backfire when Nix threw a completion to tight end Evan Ingram who beat linebacker Bobby Wagner for a 41-yard catch and run to the Washington 11 yard line. Two plays later, running back RJ Harvey scored to give Denver a 27-20 lead.

The Commanders overtime scoring attempt seemed to end when Mariota was intercepted by Brandon Jones on a pass intended for Jeremy McNichols but Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga was called for pass interference which allowed the game to continue.

Washington then appeared to score on a 30-yard pass from Mariota to McLaurin only to have the touchdown nullified because of a holding penalty on right tackle Josh Conerly Jr.

Instead of going quietly into the night, Mariota came back with a 38-yard completion to wide receiver Deebo Samuel who took the ball to the Denver two yard line. McLaurin would score four plays later to set up the last play of the game with the score 27-26.

“I think [WR] Deebo [Samuel Sr.] did a great job just setting the run for me, and [QB] Marcus [Mariota] put it low in a way,” McLaurin said. “So just in case, the DB [Bronco’s Defensive Back] was on my back, then I can make a play. But, that’s a concept that we’ve ran time and time again. And so, I knew they played man down there, and I was going to get an opportunity. So, shout out to Deebo for just doing his job and getting a great rub, and Marcus putting the ball.”

Quinn said after the game there was no hesitation. Washington went for a two point conversion to win. Mariota dropped back to pass, looking for a wide open Jeremy McNichols, but Denver linebacker Nik Bonitto was able to knock the ball down ending the game and Washington’s comeback attempt.

“As you would expect, you can imagine, losing a game on the last play of the game, there is probably no worse way to lose a game,” Ertz said. “I’m sure there are positives to take from it. After watching the film, I can give you what those exactly are. But like I said, right now, I’m just hurting.”