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Commanders have momentum halted after opening drive INT

Originally posted on DC Sports King
By King W. Motley III | Last updated Oct 27, 2025 10:35 PM ET

The Washington Commanders entered Week 8’s Monday night contest shorthanded against the Kansas City Chiefs, playing without star quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, Washington’s opening drive started well with backup QB Marcus Mariota. That is, until Washington’s wide receiver Deebo Samuel bobbled a pass into an interception.

The Commanders marched the football 49 yards on their first seven plays. Yet, a short pass intended for Samuel bounced off the receiver into the waiting hands of Chiefs defensive end Michael Danna for the interception.

Just an absolute nightmare from Deebo Samuel here. Ball was clean and fast and just completely went through his hands and bounced off his helmet before being intercepted.
Good first drive for the #Commanders offense wasted. pic.twitter.com/C7CAuo7ovD
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 28, 2025

Deebo Samuel returned after missing Week 7’s loss with a lingering heel injury. Samuel leads Washington with 34 receptions and 315 receiving yards despite missing a game. He’s been the most reliable pass catcher while longtime favorite wide receiver Terry McLaurin has dealt with a hamstring injury.

Samuel hauled in two passes for 11 yards on the opening drive before his third target turned into disaster. The wideout appeared to take his eyes off the ball, looking to get up the field on the short pass. However, his eagerness led to a costly gaffe.

The interception killed Washington’s early momentum. The Commanders cannot afford any mistakes without Daniels, especially with two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes on the opposing sideline.

Fortunately for Washington, the defense responded by intercepting Mahomes on the ensuing drive. Yet, that play is one Samuel would love to have back.

This article first appeared on DC Sports King and was syndicated with permission.

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