The Washington Commanders walked off the field in Denver with another gut-punch loss, their seventh in a row, falling 27-26 to the Broncos in overtime. This one stung a little more-not just because it came in extra time, but because the Commanders had a chance to win it outright.
After punching in a touchdown in OT, they went for two. Go for the win.
Be aggressive. But the Broncos’ defense had the last word, swatting down the conversion attempt and sealing the game.
Head coach Dan Quinn addressed the media afterward, standing by the decision to go for two. It was a bold call, but one that reflected the urgency of a team trying to stop the bleeding.
When you've lost six straight and you're on the road in a hostile environment, sometimes you roll the dice. Quinn made it clear: the team was playing to win, not settle.
The return of wide receiver Terry McLaurin was one of the few bright spots in a tough afternoon. McLaurin, who’s been a steady leader for this squad, brought energy and production back to the offense.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota spoke about how much of a difference McLaurin makes-not just in terms of what he does on the field, but how he elevates the entire huddle. His presence was felt immediately, and he made plays that reminded everyone why he’s such a vital piece of this offense.
Mariota also reflected on the overtime sequence. The touchdown felt like a breakthrough moment, a sign that maybe this team was ready to flip the script.
But the failed two-point attempt halted that momentum in an instant. Still, Mariota praised the fight in the locker room, emphasizing that the team isn’t folding under pressure.
They're still swinging.
Of course, the first quarter interception loomed large. It was a tough early mistake that put the Commanders in a hole, but Mariota didn’t shy away from accountability. In a game this tight, every possession matters-and that turnover was one they couldn’t afford.
McLaurin himself echoed the theme of resilience. He didn’t sugarcoat the loss, but he was proud of how the team battled.
“Screw the rep count,” he said, making it clear he wasn’t interested in easing back in. He wanted to contribute, and he did.
His leadership continues to be a cornerstone for this team, even in the midst of a losing streak.
Wide receiver Treylon Burks also made a key impact, hauling in a touchdown that helped push the Commanders into overtime. It was a big-time play in a big-time moment, and a reminder of the kind of talent this offense still has when it’s clicking.
Off the field, Quinn also took a moment to acknowledge quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard, who’s set to take the head coaching job at Stanford. It’s a big opportunity for Pritchard, and while it’s a loss for the Commanders’ staff, Quinn was clearly proud of his assistant’s next step. It’s a testament to the kind of coaching talent this organization has developed, even in a tough season.
Now, it’s on to Minnesota. The Commanders will try to regroup and reset, hoping to snap the skid and salvage something from what’s been a frustrating stretch.
The loss in Denver was another missed opportunity, but it wasn’t without fight. And that’s something they’ll need in spades heading into the final stretch of the season.