The Washington Commanders (7-8-1) experienced a crushing defeat against the Cleveland Browns (7-9) on Sunday, diminishing their chances of making the playoffs. With a 24-10 loss in their NFL Week 17 matchup, the Commanders were embarrassed by their performance, ending any chance they had of securing the final NFC playoff spot.
Due to wins from the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, Washington has now been officially eliminated from postseason contention, with the two teams set to face off in Green Bay next week for the coveted spot.
Commanders’ Playoff Hopes Collapse
The Commanders’ fortunes turned for the worst in 2023, as they entered the new year with a tenuous grip on the NFC’s final wild-card spot. However, their control over their postseason destiny seemed to vanish against a Browns team that had little left to play for this season.
Despite the stakes of the game, the Commanders failed to bring an electric performance. Instead, quarterback Carson Wentz throws three interceptions during Washington’s 260-yard offensive showing – their poorest output since Week 6.
Washington’s defense was the keystone factor in keeping the game within reach during the team’s early offensive struggles. Impressively, they held Cleveland to just a field goal after Wentz’s first interception and forced a goal-line stand late in the opening quarter to prevent any damage on the scoreboard.
The Commanders put severe pressure on Watson, sacking him four times throughout the entirety of the first half and limiting his team to only 81 rushing yards for that period. Washington’s sound defensive efforts allowed them to snag a 7-3 lead at halftime.
However, without standout player Jonathan Allen who left with a knee injury after just two-quarters of play, the defense saw an obvious slump in capability and gave up a touchdown in the first three possessions following intermission.
Disappointing Return for Wentz
Despite the stakes of the game, the Commanders failed to bring an electric performance. Instead, quarterback Carson Wentz throws three interceptions during Washington’s 260-yard offensive showing – their poorest output since Week 6.
Carson Wentz made his return to the starting role with the Washington Football Team in a disappointing way. After an overthrown ball intended for Jonathan Williams on his first attempt, Wentz attempted to throw toward Terry McLaurin but was picked off by Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward at the 36-yard line. The dropped pass resulted in boos and chants of Heinicke from a disgruntled crowd at FedEx Field.
What’s Next?
After the sudden change in the atmosphere last week, the Washington Commanders will host the Dallas Cowboys this Week 18 as 6-point underdogs based on Draftkings online sportsbook.
On the other hand, the Cleveland Browns will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers who are still fighting for their playoff appearance after stunning the Baltimore Ravens earlier with a late-game touchdown and walking away with a 16-13 victory.
