London, England- The Washington Commanders had amazing support from fans and a wonderful host in Tottenham Hotspurs who stadium is elite level. 60,000 fans filled every seat and the pregame show was amazing. Unfortunately Washington’s injury issues continued and the hot start to the game was erased by the efficient and steady Colts. The biggest turning point in this game was the right knee injury (MCL), at then end of the second offensive possession. Mariota was 3-4 for 46 yards and one read option run for 35 yards. After being sacked on 3rd down in the redzone the Washington Offense would never get into the redzone again. That sack came from a pressure given up by rookie Matt Gulpin who got his first career start at right guard. Mariota had to them in the redzone twice but they did not get touchdowns. That in effect was the game.
Athan Kaliakmanis was not bad in his first NFL regular season action but made mistake you expect out of your third string QB. He did get his first touchdown on a 49 yard deep shot to Treylon Burks, but he also threw an interception that gave the Colts excellent field position. Colts sent a lot of blitzes at Kaliakmanis and he took some shots and made some rushed throws. The running game was not successful and Washington threw everything at it. Austin Eckler was probably the best running back on the Washington roster today. No run game plus a relentless pass rush doesn’t not equal success.
The defense got Frankie Luvu back and reconstructed their defensive secondary. Mikey Sanistril was the 4th CB and and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones went with Amik Robertson and Rasul Douglas in base with Fabian Moreau in nickel. This was working and they forced two more turnovers. But after been given short fields by the offense, the defense broke down. Jonathan Taylor led the way and the Colts ran for 128 yards and three touchdowns. Communication was better but not stopping the run was killer.
Washington was penalized ten times while the Indianapolis Colts were just one time. Some penalties were self inflicted, however some were flat out questionable. The illegal shift and hold on the Antonio Willams big touchdown play is a game changer. That cannot happen from the officials. Players dictate games not officials and clearly officials had an impact. More often than not Washington does not get the benefit of 50/50 calls while their opponent seems to always play pretty flawless games. Either way the plays that Washington can control that have to be cleaner and smarter.
Washington now heads home to face the New York Giants. They have lost Jaxson Dart and Brian Burns for the season but have had a relatively easy schedule. All eyes will be if Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and Sam Cosmi can return. Season is not over but the direction needs to change.
