The Washington Commanders lost 20-37 to the San Fransisco 49ers. In the second half both sides of the ball played bad, which caused the Commanders to lose. The Commanders had chances throughout the game, but couldn’t capitalize on them. Thankfully the outcome of this game means nothing and the Commanders still control their own destiny to make the playoffs.
Offense
The Commanders couldn’t run the ball against the 49ers. As a team they averaged around 2.4 yards per carry. Brian Robinson led the team with 58 rushing yards and the team as a whole rushed for 79 yards. Not being able to punch the ball in from the one on back to back run plays in the first half really hurt the offense. The offensive line just couldn’t get any push against the number one defense for most of the game. Against the Browns next week the Commanders will need to find more success running the ball.
When it came to passing the ball the Commanders had a decent day. Heinicke went 13 for 18 for 166 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Then when Wentz came in he went 12 for 16 for 123 yards and a touchdown. It seemed like the only way the Commanders would beat the 49ers is if they passed the ball 40 times, which is not great for this offense.
Jahan Dotson had a great game on Saturday. He had six catches for 76 yards and a touchdown. If he didn’t get hurt earlier in the year he would most likely be the offensive rookie of the year. He currently has the most touchdown receptions for the Commanders at seven. Dotson is also tied for the most touchdown receptions by a rookie with Christian Watson.
Defense
The Commanders defense didn’t play great on Saturday. They gave up a lot of 20 plus yard plays, which the defense has not done the last two months. The loss of Kam Curl for this defense seems like a very big problem because guys were running open all day. The 49ers were averaging 7.3 yards per play, which shows how many big plays the defense gave up.
The defensive line had a better game than last week. They racked up two sacks and Chase young returned to the lineup. Young had two tackles and had a pass batted down. Daron Payne had a sack and a tackle for a loss. They also held Christian McCaffrey to 46 rushing yards, but did allow him to get in the end zone one time. Next week they will need to stop Nick Chubb and the Browns run attack.
Wentz vs Heinicke
Wentz replaced Heinicke in the fourth quarter after Heinicke threw an interception. The last couple of weeks Heinicke hasn’t protected the ball and now with Wentz at 100 percent I expect Ron Rivera to go with Wentz. The reason Rivera will go with Wentz is because he is getting paid more and has more arm talent. The last few games Heinicke has struggled at times and now that the Commanders are not on a winning streak it makes since to make a change. Now I don’t agree with it because I think they are basically the same Qb and Heinicke has gotten the Commanders to this point, but I understand why they would make a change.
Look Ahead
Next week the Commanders take on the Browns. The Browns have been eliminated from the playoffs and are coming off a loss to the Saints. The Commanders should be able to run the ball better next week since the Browns are 25th in the NFL against the run. With a win next week and a loss by the Seahawks, Lions, and Packers the Commanders would clinch the last playoff spot. They can also clinch a spot by winning the next two games as well.
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