Commanders dismantle Titans to snap three-game losing streak
Angst was readily apparent in the nation’s capital after consecutive losses to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Dallas derailed an improbable 7-2 start by the Washington Commanders.
Had the franchise quarterback hit the rookie wall? Had the offensive coordinator become too predictable? Could the head coach turns things around before it’s too late or is the fanbase destined for yet another winter of sadness?
While it’s too early to know how the rest of the season will unfold, Washington scored touchdowns on its first four drives in a 42-19 rout over the Tennessee Titans for the franchise’s first December home victory since 2017.
Coming into the game, Tennessee excelled at shutting down the run and had the best third-down defense in the NFL. Amazingly, Washington dominated the Titans in both facets of the game — rushing for 267 yards while also converted nine of 14 third-down attempts.
On his first carry of the day, running back Brian Robinson Jr. broke free for a career-long 40-yard touchdown that set the tone for the afternoon. After leaving the Dallas game early due to injury, Robinson bounced back with 16 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 25 of 30 passes for 206 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. The rookie also rushed for a touchdown that gave Washington an early 14-0 lead. And when Daniels went to the air, he looked for receiver Terry McLaurin, who was targeted eight times. Scary Terry caught all eight passes thrown his way for 73 yards and two touchdowns.
By the time the Titans ran their 10th offensive play, they already trailed 28-0 early in the second quarter. While Tennessee looked better in the second half, the game was far from ever becoming competitive. Washington outgained the visitors 463 to 245 and dominated time of possession. Backup running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., who has been a forgotten man for most of the season, even racked up 94 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Bobby Wagner reached a significant milestone on Sunday, when he joined fellow Washington linebacker London Fletcher as the only players to reach 100 tackles in 13 consecutive seasons. The 34-year-old future Hall of Famer continues to be worth his weight in gold for a Commanders franchise that desperately needed veteran leadership and consistent production from the heart of the defense.