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The Washington Commanders are 2-0 for the first time since 2011 after completing an 18-point comeback over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Washington defensive end Chase Young and quarterback Sam Howell shined in the victory, but the rally may not have been possible if not for tight end Logan Thomas.
Thomas had two catches for 22 yards, pedestrian numbers if looking at the box score. But his second catch was a huge touchdown for the Commanders.
Washington faced 4th and goal late in the second quarter while trailing 21-3. commanders linebacker Jamin Davis stripped Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, and Washington recovered the ball, preventing a promising Denver drive from adding more points.
Washington got near the goal line, but miscues on the first three drives left the Commanders to decide to go for it on fourth down. They had an 18-point deficit and were in danger of giving the Broncos the ball back for one final drive. Also, Denver’s offense was getting the ball at the start of the second half.
Howell delivered a perfectly placed pass over the middle to Logan Thomas. Thomas high-pointed the ball to haul it in for a score. Unfortunately, an out-of-place Broncos safety, Kareem Jackson, tried to dislodge the ball from Thomas by lounging into the tight end’s helmet.
Kareem Jackson should not allowed to play in the NFL. Dirty hits to the head weeks two weeks in a row isn’t a coincidence.
— Dylan Powell (@PowellAnalytics) September 17, 2023
Really hope Logan Thomas and Jakobi Meyers are okay and recover as soon as possible.
pic.twitter.com/H2RgZrJf9H
The hit knocked Thomas down in a heap. It was evident from the impact Thomas was injured. However, he held on to the football on his way to the ground.
Officials immediately threw their flags as Jackson got called for unnecessary roughness. The officials ejected Jackson from the game. Surprisingly, Jackson was not later suspended for his second illegal hit in two weeks.
Logan Thomas lay on the ground for several moments. His Washington teammates were not happy. Commanders center Nick Gates took exception and went after Jackson, as the trainer attended to Thomas.
Eventually, Thomas got to his feet and jogged off. Yet, the team ruled him out of the game and placed him in the league’s concussion protocol.
Logan Thomas brave catch sparked rally for Commanders
The game’s complexion would’ve been altered if Thomas didn’t make that catch. Thomas would have been out of the game. Washington trailed 21-3, and the team’s mood may have been different.
Instead, the Commanders converted the two-point conversion after Thomas’ touchdown to cut the deficit to 21-11. The defense made a stop just before the half, and Washington’s offense put them in position for a Joey Slye field goal just before halftime, cutting Denver’s lead to 21-14.
The Commanders went on to stop the Broncos on the opening drive of the third quarter. Washington outscored Denver 32-3 before Wilson connected on a miracle Hail Mary on the final play. The Commanders defense stopped the game-tying two-point conversion to win 35-33.
Thomas has had up-and-down seasons in the past three seasons due to injuries. He dealt with a calf injury throughout the preseason. Thomas got up to par to start Week 1 of the regular season. Now, he’s facing a concussion. However, on Sunday, he was the Commanders’ hero in their victory over the Broncos.
More must-reads:
- AFC North check-in: Most, least improved position groups post-draft
- NFL executives address Patriots drafting QB Drake Maye over trading down
- The 'AP First-Team All-Pro tight ends' quiz
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