The Washington Commanders came into Sunday night’s game with a 3-8 record and a whole lot of questions. But what they showed against the red-hot Denver Broncos wasn’t just resilience - it was a reminder that this team still has some fight left in it. Washington took Denver, winners of eight straight and boasting one of the league’s stingiest defenses, all the way to the final play of overtime before falling just short, 27-26.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t the same Commanders team we saw a month ago. This version looked sharper, more competitive, and far more capable of going toe-to-toe with a playoff-caliber opponent. And while the result didn’t go their way, there’s a lot to unpack - and even more to build on.
Marcus Mariota Steps Up
With the spotlight on him, Marcus Mariota delivered a performance that reminded fans why he’s still a viable NFL quarterback. He didn’t light up the stat sheet in a traditional sense, but he made plays when it mattered. Whether it was extending drives with his legs or standing tall in the pocket under pressure, Mariota kept Washington in the game from start to finish.
Late in the fourth quarter and into overtime, Mariota leaned on his playmakers - and they responded. Tight end Zach Ertz turned back the clock with some clutch grabs, while wideouts Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel came up big when the offense needed a spark. These weren’t just routine catches either; we’re talking contested balls, yards after the catch, and chain-moving plays that kept the Commanders alive in a game few expected them to hang around in.
Controversial Officiating Takes Center Stage
Of course, no discussion of this game is complete without addressing the elephant in the room: the officiating. The fourth quarter was marred by a trio of highly questionable calls - or lack thereof - that had a direct impact on the flow and outcome of the game.
And it wasn’t just Washington fans raising their eyebrows. Across the NFL community, players, analysts, and viewers alike were vocal about the inconsistencies.
When a game is this close, those moments matter. A missed call here, a phantom flag there - it all adds up. And while it’s never ideal to pin a loss on the officials, it’s fair to say that the Commanders didn’t get the benefit of the doubt when it counted most.
Commanders Offense Finds Rhythm Against Elite Defense
One of the more encouraging signs for Washington was how the offense performed against a Denver unit that’s been among the league’s best during their win streak. The Commanders racked up 419 yards of total offense - not an easy feat against a defense that thrives on pressure and tight coverage.
They mixed it up well, too. The run-pass balance kept Denver guessing, and the offensive line held up long enough for Mariota to work through his reads. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was effective - and that’s a step forward.
Final Thoughts
Yes, the Commanders lost. But this wasn’t the kind of loss that sinks a season - it was the kind that can galvanize a locker room. They went toe-to-toe with one of the hottest teams in football, on the road, and nearly pulled off the upset.
There’s no moral victory column in the standings, but performances like this can change the tone inside a building. If Washington can bottle up the energy, execution, and grit they showed on Sunday night, there’s still time to finish the season on a strong note.
The road ahead doesn’t get any easier, but after this game, the Commanders proved they’re not going quietly.