The Washington Commanders didn’t walk away with a win on Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos, but they certainly walked off the field with their heads held high. In a season that’s been short on bright spots, this one had a different energy - a gritty, inspired effort that came within a two-point conversion of a statement upset.
At 3-8, head coach Dan Quinn had every reason to go for the win in regulation. And he did just that.
The aggressive call didn’t pay off on the scoreboard, but the performance itself spoke volumes. This wasn’t a team going through the motions - it was a group that showed fight, cohesion, and maybe, just maybe, a glimpse of what could be built going forward.
One of the biggest reasons Washington nearly pulled this one off? Zach Ertz.
The veteran tight end, stepping into a larger role with Jayden Daniels sidelined and Marcus Mariota under center, turned back the clock in a big way. Ertz hauled in 10 catches on 13 targets for 106 yards - a classic “security blanket” performance that helped stabilize the offense and keep the chains moving. And while a dropped touchdown late - likely a result of sheer exhaustion - will stick in his mind, it shouldn’t overshadow what was otherwise a vintage showing.
Ertz’s performance didn’t just catch the eye of fans - it drew high praise from ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky, who didn’t hold back on Get Up when discussing the tight end’s legacy.
“When he’s needed, he continues to show up,” Orlovsky said. “He’s putting together what might be a Hall of Fame career. Outstanding player.”
That’s a big statement, but not an outlandish one. Ertz passed Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe on the all-time receptions list for tight ends in Week 13 - a significant milestone that adds another layer to an already impressive résumé.
Three Pro Bowl selections, a Super Bowl ring, and now a spot among the most productive tight ends in league history. He’s never been named All-Pro, which could complicate his Hall of Fame case, but his consistency and longevity are hard to ignore.
At 35, Ertz is nearing the end of the road - and he knows it. Whether this season is his swan song or just another chapter remains to be seen.
He’s still playing at a level that could earn him another one-year deal, whether in Washington or elsewhere. But it’s also fair to wonder how much more his body can take after 13 punishing NFL seasons.
The Commanders could certainly use his presence moving forward. Rookie tight end Ben Sinnott hasn’t carved out a significant role yet, and Ertz’s chemistry with Daniels - when healthy - has been one of the more quietly effective connections in this offense. If Ertz wants to keep playing, there’s a strong case for keeping him in the fold.
But if this is the final run, it’s one that deserves respect. Ertz has been one of the most dependable tight ends of his era - a technician in the passing game, a reliable target in big moments, and a consummate professional. Whether or not he eventually gets the call to Canton, he’s already earned a place in the conversation.
And as Orlovsky pointed out, he won’t be the only one making that case.