Same song, different verse for Commanders in loss at Seattle

Joey Slye missed an additional level. Sam Howell misplaced a fumble. The protection missed several tackles on a 64-yard Kenneth Walker landing. Ron Rivera’s clock administration was not good late within the sport. The officiating was putrid, typically at Washington’s expense.

Reverse only one or two of these issues and the Commanders seemingly win the sport. As an alternative, they misplaced 29-26 and fell to 4-6 on the season. It is the identical chorus because the one following each of Washington’s video games in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023: may’ve, would’ve, ought to’ve.

There have been loads of shiny spots for the Commanders within the loss. Howell — who now leads the NFL in passing yards — was glorious as soon as once more, fumble apart, as he threw for 312 yards and three scores with no interceptions. This included a clutch throw to school teammate Dyami Brown to tie the sport within the closing minute.

Brian Robinson Jr. had a giant sport. He took a brief cross to the house within the first quarter and had one other lengthy achieve after halftime, ending with 157 whole yards of offense (38 dashing, 119 receiving). Antonio Gibson additionally stepped up, catching 5 passes for 42 yards and a rating.

It wasn’t sufficient. The important thing second that many will level to was a late flag on Benjamin St-Juste for cross interference on a Seattle 4th down with the sport tied within the fourth quarter. The Seahawks ended up scoring a landing on that drive.

The refs additionally drew the ire of Commanders followers by ejecting fellow DB Emmanuel Forbes early on for successful that did not appear in any respect ejection-worthy. Then there was the clock
management on Washington’s game-tying drive. The Commanders burned two timeouts, giving Seattle 52 seconds to attain once more.

The ultimate dagger was when the Commanders’ protection left D.Ok. Metcalf broad open. The protection struggled to deliver him down, permitting the Seahawks into discipline purpose vary. Sport over.

It is the little issues like this that make the distinction between wins and losses. Typically, it simply boils all the way down to the best way the ball bounces. Different occasions, it is about self-discipline and execution. Washington had neither issue on its aspect on Sunday, and it value the Commanders the win — and presumably their season.