'Cardiac Commanders' survive roller-coaster afternoon in Denver
For the first time since 2011, the Washington Commanders are 2-0. They got there in a game that they appeared to have lost, then won, then were about to lose in heartbreaking fashion ... and then somehow escaped.
Washington fell behind 21-3 in the first half, giving up touchdowns on each of the Broncos' first three drives as Russell Wilson and company effortlessly drove down the field, while Sam Howell's unit repeatedly stalled out once it got into scoring position.
Then, everything changed when Jamin Davis forced a Wilson fumble that Cody Barton recovered. The Commanders cut the deficit to a single possession at halftime, then had their way after the break.
The offense was humming with big plays such as this Terry McLaurin touchdown and the defense was relentless.
Washington pulled away to a 35-24 lead of its own late in the fourth quarter, seeming to have all but sealed the game. Then things took another turn, though, as the Broncos converted a field goal to bring the game within one score and then forced a three-and-out to give themselves a desperation chance to tie.
That's when Wilson's Hail Mary pass was tipped multiple times, eventually landing into the hands of WR Brandon Johnson. Commanders fans had to be in pure disbelief at this point — but of course, Denver still had to convert the two-point attempt.
Commanders DB Benjamin St- Juste may have gotten away with defensive pass interference on the play, which will certainly be debated by Broncos fans. Of course, perhaps this is the football universe's way of making up for the missed call that cost Washington a chance at a win against the New York Giants last season.
The Commanders, who have consistently played better from behind during HC Ron Rivera's tenure, recorded their largest comeback victory since 2015 against Tampa Bay — the game known as Kirk Cousins' "you like that" game. Their 35 points scored was also their highest output since they beat the Dallas Cowboys 41-16 in 2020.
It hasn't always been pretty, but so far in 2023, Washington has just found ways to win. If they can do it again against an expected title-contending Buffalo Bills squad next week, the hype train behind the "Cardiac Commanders" will be operating full steam ahead.
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