5 takeaways from Commanders’ 20-12 loss to the Giants
Two weeks ago, Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen told the media after his team’s 20-20 tie with the New York Giants he wanted to see FedEx Field rocking You can watch the replay. Allen offered to buy some tickets for fans, which he did, as he indicated this game could be for Washington’s season.
How did the Commanders react?
By falling behind 14-3 at halftime — after a bye week — to a team that had lost by 26 points last week and had only won one of its last six games. The New York Giants won the game with crucial 20-12 victory. They made more plays than Commanders.
Here are five takeaways from Washington’s loss.
Washington fans aren’t allowed to attend games.
Saquon Barkley 26 of the New York Giants runs alongside the ball as James Smith Williams #96 of Washington Commanders. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images).
Sunday Night Football against New York Giants was a matchup of the Commanders and their advantage. Washington got the week off, but the Giants were defeated by the Eagles last Sunday. New York’s secondary was filled with players like Fabian Moreau starting, yet the Commanders, who spoke of the importance of this game, couldn’t get the job done.
And you wonder why fans don’t pack FedEx Field? It’s no secret that Daniel Snyder is the No. One reason fans won’t go to games is because of Daniel Snyder, their owner. However, when so much is on the line against a team that many believe you’re superior to, and all you can muster is 12 points? You allowed Daniel Jones to make a fourth-and-9 when you were in dire need of a stop. Seriously? Taylor Heinicke fumbled twice, one of which wasn’t his fault, but the second certainly was his fault. He cost the Commanders a six point swing.
Fans were starting to believe after winning six of the eight previous games. FedEx Field was packed with fans. Washington lost the ball. There were many New York fans there, but Washington supporters packed the stadium on Sunday night to cheer on the Commanders. And they lost.
What was Scott Turner thinking when he wrote this?
Scott Turner, Washington Commanders offensive Coordinator, is seen on the field at FedExField before the New York Giants game. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills – USA TODAY Sports
I don’t want to be the guy who puts everything on the offensive coordinator. Scott Turner has had to deal with many disadvantages in his time in Washington. From the quarterback position to the current offensive lines. He did not do the Giants any favors. Turner kept calling for a run to Curtis Samuel wide receiver in the first quarter. It was basically the same play. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Giants’ defensive end, dropped Samuel twice each time for a loss. Those three plays netted -2 yard.
Samuel called him five times that night. Each attempt ended with one yard. Not Samuel’s fault. Samuel is a skilled runner. The Commanders ran the same play and left Thibodeaux unblocked. The Giants saw the play coming. The Commanders faced a third and three in the second period. Turner recommends that Samuel be used between the tackles in place of Brian Robinson Jr., whose average speed was over seven yards per try.
Bad night for play-callers
The offensive line must be reorganized by commanders
Dexter Lawrence #97 from the New York Giants sacks Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images).
Washington should upgrade its quarterback position. Every year, we repeat this. We aren’t getting into the debate about Heinicke’s long-term ceiling. That is something we all know. The offensive line, regardless of who took snaps for Commanders this season would still be a problem. The Commanders traded Carson Wentz for Carson Wentz because they knew he was no match for this line. Heinicke is able to move in the pocket but he still gets hit by defense multiple times each week.
Chris Cooley, an ex-Washington tight end, talked about the protection issues last Wednesday. He pointed out that Commanders are always in max-protect 70%. That limits the playbook by a lot. And that’s on Ron Rivera. Rivera did not lose Brandon Scherff. He should never have placed the second tag on Brandon Scherff. He didn’t want to be here, so move on. Instead, he’s replaced by a former Panther who’s not very good anymore.
Saahdiq Charlie, who has not been able to secure a spot for three seasons, is the only person outside of Trai Turner. Rivera selected Andrew Norwell as Ereck Flowers’ replacement. Norwell is a serviceable, but not an upgrade. Charles Leno is a good left tackle but Commanders should be looking to upgrade. At right tackle, Sam Cosmi can’t stay healthy, and that’s not on Rivera.
At center, freak injuries have ended Chase Roullier’s seasons in back-to-back years. Rivera will have to sort this mess out in the offseason. The Commanders must still find a quarterback. Although a franchise quarterback could help to fix some of these problems, they are difficult to find. Washington’s No. The offseason should have multiple offensive linemen as the number one priority. Four new offensive linemen could be a possibility in 2023.
Defensive lapses
Curtis Samuel #10 from the Washington Commanders tackles Saquon barkley #26 of New York Giants. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images
Don’t be fooled by Washington’s defense holding the Giants to under 300 total yards. It looks great on paper, especially when you consider that the Giants won their time-of-possession fight. But, when the Giants needed a play, they converted — almost every time. In the second quarter, there was the fourth-and-9 completion. Imagine Washington making that stop. There’s no second touchdown.
After a Heinicke turnover in the fourth quarter Barkley made three runs consecutively on the same play, scoring 41 yards and putting the Giants in Washington territory. A few plays later, the Giants scored a field goal to give them an eight point lead. Imagine if Washington’s defense had done its job. The Commanders defense knew Barkley was getting the ball and still didn’t stop him.
Jones did not get sacked even though he only passed for 160 yards, at five yards per attempt.
Washington’s defense was not blameless in this loss.
Officiating
Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders’ head coach (L), argues for a penalty on a two point conversion with John Hussey. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
The last meeting between these two sides saw officiating play a part. It was also a win-win situation. On Sunday, Washington received the short end of the stick, and while New York fans probably won’t agree, it’s blatantly obvious. We’ve gone over why Washington lost the game, and it was not on the officiating, but that certainly didn’t help things.
The non-call on the Samuel pass interference The game ended with a devastating loss. Terry McLaurin’s call just two plays before the game ended resulted in a touchdown. McLaurin said the official told him He was correctly lined up before the play.
How can this group continue to have an impact on games on the field without any repercussions? Ron Rivera will receive his little “I’m sorry” letter, which is the biggest joke in professional sports. For making mistakes, players get cut. NFL officials get a raise. How dare a player or coach criticize the officiating? An NFL league that officiates is still among the worst in professional sports, which is surprising considering the immense popularity of the sport.
And bad officiating has impacted all 32 NFL teams, but when it shows up at the end of the games, it’s even more egregious.