Washington Commanders (7-8-1) – Cleveland Browns (7-9): 10-24
Before the game, the pattern was simple for Washington. Two victories over the last two weeks, and Ron Rivera’s men validated their qualification for the playoffs. On the other hand, a loss combined with victories for the Lions and the Packers tonight, and they were definitely eliminated from the equation now. It is towards this second scenario that we seem to be heading.
However, the Burgundy and Gold technician tried the Carson Wentz bet (16/28, 143 yards, 3 interceptions + 3 races, 7 yards, 1 touchdown) to try to revitalize the attack and get out of the negative spiral of recent weeks (2 losses, 1 draw in the last 3 games). Missed. Intercepted 3 times, the veteran had a complicated evening in terms of precision and decision-making. He never seemed to be the leader his team needed so much and it showed on the game. Washington only really had success on one series. The one where the Commanders decided to keep control of the leather based primarily on the ground game and not on the arm of his quarterback.
On the Cleveland side, if the first half is to be forgotten, they can use the second act as a solid foundation for the future. The undermining work of the tireless Nick Chubb (14 races, 104 yards + 1 receptions, 12 yards) opened pass boulevards to Deshaun Watson (9/18, 169 yards, 3 touchdowns + 8 races, 31 yards). For his 5e game since his return from suspension, the quarterback has taken advantage of the opposing defensive largesse to refine the automatisms with his receivers and take care of his statistics.
Washington, a series and then leaves
Two interceptions and one out of 4e attempt, the Commanders’ start to the game is nightmarish. Symbol of these difficulties, Carson Wentz. Holder for the first time since October 13, the quarterback struggles to adjust the sights and forces deep throws on receivers yet far from clear. Fortunately for Washington, the defense is responding. Very physical, she leaves only a few crumbs to Nick Chubb and is responsible for putting pressure on Deshaun Watson, sacked 4 times in the first half. Because if the Burgundy and Gold attack is floundering, it is not much better in the opposite camp with a field goal and a failure in 4e attempt in two passes in the red zone for 81 yards gained in total.
Washington then decides to calm things down and keep their hands on the ball. A big dose of races with Brian Robinson Jr. (24 carries, 87 yards) and Jonathan Williams (9 carries, 30 yards) to advance the chains, a hint of passes on 3e try, the recipe works. out of 4e&1, Carson Wentz takes off over his line and gives Washington the first touchdown of the game 21 seconds from halftime. Above all, he comes to close a series of 21 actions which have swallowed up more than 11 minutes on the clock and 96 yards (7-3).
Cleveland by KO
Stung to the quick, the Browns respond to the return of the locker room by applying the same method. Defensively, the lines tighten and prevent the opposing ground game from developing. Carson Wentz is also getting more pressure and getting a taste of the natural turf at FedEx Field. As a result, the ball does not move forward. The locals are content with a single field goal in the 3e quarter and suffer the repeated assaults of an attack that lets nothing pass.
Nick Chubb takes advantage of Jonathan Allen’s exit to gain ground. This also opens the game and leaves the field open to Deshaun Watson to find his targets. Amari Cooper (3 receptions, 105 yards, 2 touchdowns), twice, and Donovan Peoples-Jones (1 receptions, 13 yards, 1 touchdown) regained the end zone in quick succession in 3 series. 24-10 for the visitors, the break is made with just over 5 minutes left to play. The sequel is only a slow agony for the Commanders. Forced to extend the game, Carson Wentz is intercepted for the 3e times, before failing on 4e attempt. Cleveland is then content to eat the last remaining minutes to validate a success built in 2e half time.
