Washington Commanders (8-5) – Tennessee Titans (3-9): 42-19
After a few weeks with mixed results, the Commanders faced undisciplined and overwhelmed Titans on all fronts. The method was simple for Washington: rely on a very efficient running game and only rely on the arm of Jayden Daniels to balance the offensive production. Thus the running backs collected more than 200 yards on the ground, while the rookie quarterback did not have to force his talent with a small outing but with flattering statistics. In the end: a very beautiful and large victory which brings smiles to the federal capital and keeps the hopes of the playoffs alive.
Opposite, Tennessee was overwhelmed in almost all tactical aspects of the game. The Titans produced a festival of missed passes, loose receptions, penalties and turnovers. The defense was unable to adapt to the opponent's play for the majority of the game. A performance which condemned them and continues to worry.
Commanders firmly in charge
If Tennessee starts its match by falling back due to multiple false starts, Washington quickly gets going and hits hard. Three actions and Brian Robinson (RB, 109 yards, 1TD) crosses the defense for 40 yards to cross the line. You just have to wait a few minutes, and this time it's Jayden Daniels (QB, 25/30, 206 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 34 yards and 1 TD rushing) who finds the paint on a little full scramble center. Things get even easier for the Commanders when they recover a fumble in their opponent's own red zone. An opportunity materialized again since Daniels alerted Terry McLaurin (WR, 73 yards, 2 TD) in the in-goal behind the defense. And to make matters worse, the special teams create a second fumble on the following engagement. When the first quarter ends, the Maryland men have already produced more than 170 yards and 3 touchdowns on offense, and 2 turnovers on defense. A complete demonstration.
Now well placed to start their series, the Commanders resume their progress, helped by their opponent's generous penalties. A drive which ends like the previous ones, with a double from McLaurin on a small inside slant. As the break approaches, the Titans finally manage to stop the Washington attack which, in spite of itself, misses a field goal. It's the effort that allows Tennessee to wake up. Despite several penalties, the blue attack advances enough for Will Levis (QB, 18/37, 212 yards, 2 TD) to find Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (WR, 61 yards, 2 TD) in the paint on a 27-yard pass . Despite nothing to show off when returning to the locker room, Washington holds the match firmly.
The Titans tremble but cannot find the resources
Back on the field, the Commanders launch into a perfect imitation of their opponent: not an action that does not end with a penalty. In these conditions, it is difficult to move forward and maintain pressure but above all it signals a change in momentum. Because in response, the Titans took a kick which reduced the gap little but kept the team in a positive dynamic. Then the defense cracks an interception on a forced pass in the middle by Daniels. Then Levis finds Tony Pollard (RB, 67 yards) full center for 30 yards, which results in a new field goal. Nothing to panic about, but it's time for Washington to wake up.
Relying primarily on his ground game, Daniels connects with Zach Ertz (TE, 35 yards, 1 TD) then Dyami Brown (WR, 35 yards) to come and knock on the door of the blue goal. A little feint and Ertz is at the finish to put the Commanders back on track. Despite everything, this second half remains feverish for the men of the capital. A second missed field goal leaves the Titans in a good position, and Levis slips the ball to Westbrook-Ikhine for the double and to reduce the score. So it's time to pack the game. Washington rushes to run out the clock, converts a fourth attempt, plays a fake play on McLaurin, and knocks once again at the goal gate. Mass is said when Chris Rodriguez (RB, 94 yards, 1 TD) breaks through and crosses the line with 3 minutes to play. The match is over, and Washington leaves the field with a benchmark victory that feels good.
