The Washington Commanders fell to 7-3 on Sunday after a 28-27 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Northwest Stadium.
Washington got off to a slow start offensively, and the Steelers made them pay, taking an early 7-0 lead. However, each team made miscues on special teams, which helped the other score a touchdown. By the end of the first half, Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels led a scoring drive to give his team the lead.
The second half featured several unforced errors by Washington’s offense and a defense that struggled to stop the Steelers.
Here’s our analysis of what happened in Landover.
- Daniels didn’t have his best game against the Steelers, completing 17 of 34 passes for 202 yards. Daniels was under constant pressure as Pittsburgh sent pressure over 50% of the time. He didn’t make an impact as a runner either, finishing with five yards on three attempts.
- Terry McLaurin dominated but wasn’t seen during the last few drives. During the first drive of the second half, Daniels found McLaurin for two big plays, and the Commanders scored a touchdown. Throughout the remainder of the second half, McLaurin had one more target, which he caught. McLaurin went over 100 yards and should have been more involved in the fourth quarter when the offense stalled.
- Washington finished with 60 rushing yards on 22 attempts. Daniels was less involved in the run game, which impacted the Commanders’ ability to run the ball. Washington was without Brian Robinson Jr. for a second consecutive week, and the running game missed.
- The Commanders forced some punts, but when the Steelers needed a play in the second half, they had no trouble converting, whether it be a pass or run. Two turnovers saved the Washington defense.
- Several Washington receivers dropped passes, including tight end Zach Ertz. Daniels wasn’t sharp either.
- Kicker Zane Gonzalez filled in adequately for Austin Seibert, making both fields and all three PATs.
- Tress Way was busier than usual on Sunday, punting six times and averaging 55 yards per punt.
- The game was won and lost on third and fourth down: Pittsburgh converted seven of 16 on third down, while Washington converted five of 14. The Steelers went for it on fourth down twice and were successful each time, including at the end of the game when rookie DT Johnny Newton jumped offsides. Washington was 11 of 11 on fourth down entering Sunday but missed its only attempt on the controversial spot with 1:27 remaining.
We could cite three plays here, but it was truly over when rookie defensive tackle Johnny Newton jumped offsides on fourth-and-1 with a minute remaining. Pittsburgh was clearly going to take the penalty if Washington didn’t jump. Newton jumped and Jayden Daniels and the offense did not get another chance.
- WR Terry McLaurin: Five receptions, 113 yards
- DE/OLB Dante Fowler Jr: Five tackles, two sacks
- S Jeremy Chinn: 12 tackles, interception, fumble recovery
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) throws a touchdown pass against the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Washington must put this one behind them as, in four days, an NFC East showdown in Philadelphia awaits. The Commanders need that one to remain unbeaten in divisional play.
