The Washington Commanders left Lambeau Field frustrated after a 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night.
Quarterback Jordan Love carved up Washington’s defense. He threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns on 19-of-31 passing. Tight end Tucker Kraft added 124 receiving yards and a score. The Packers built long, punishing drives of 96 and 92 yards, creating a 14-3 halftime lead.
Washington’s 2nd year quarterback, Jayden Daniels, battled back. He finished 24-of-42 for 200 yards and two touchdowns. But Green Bay’s defense held Washington to 51 rushing yards, forcing Daniels into a one-dimensional game. “You can’t spot a team like that with a two-touchdown cushion on the road,” head coach Dan Quinn said. “We fought back, but we’ve got to execute earlier.”
Washington’s night grew worse with two major injuries. Running back Austin Ekeler limped off in the fourth quarter with a suspected Achilles injury. He managed only 17 yards on eight carries. Defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. left in the second quarter with a quad injury.
“It hurts, man,” Daniels said. “Austin’s a leader in that locker room. We’ve all got to step up now.”
Green Bay’s offense looked sharp all night. Running back Josh Jacobs carried 23 times for 84 yards and a touchdown. The offensive line protected Love well; Washington never sacked him.
“We talk about starting fast, sustaining, and finishing,” Love said. “I thought we checked all three boxes.”
Kicker Brandon McManus added three field goals. His booming 56-yarder midway through the fourth quarter sealed Washington’s fate.
The Commanders tried to rally. Daniels hit Zach Ertz for a 20-yard touchdown and later found Deebo Samuel for a 10-yard score. Washington also converted a two-point try.
But the defense could not slow the Packers. Washington converted just 5 of 13 third downs and finished with 15 first downs. Green Bay produced 22 first downs and controlled the ball for 32 minutes. “We moved the ball better in the fourth, but consistency is the name of the game,” Ertz said. “We can’t wait until the last quarter to wake up.”
The Commanders, now 1-1, return home seeking stability. They await updates on Ekeler and Wise. The Packers, 2-0, look like early NFC contenders with Love’s steady arm and Jacobs’ power on the ground.
Quinn closed with a blunt assessment: “We’ve got a lot to clean up, and it starts with me. We’re going back to work.”
