Washington 35, Denver 33 Week 2, September 17, 2023
The Commanders found themselves down 18, led again and had to hold on for a 35-33 win over the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
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Washington led 35-27 when Russell Wilson launched a Hail Mary attempt from 50 yards out as time expired to Brandon Johnson. The pass was originally received by Washington’s Emmanuel Forbes, but failing to bring it down, Darrick Forrest then deflected the pass, which was deflected a second time by Kam Curl before being caught by Johnson for the touchdown.
On the two-point attempt, Wilson’s pass was directed toward Courtland Sutton, but Washington’s Benjamin St-Juste arrived just before the ball, making contact with Sutton, inhibiting his ability to catch the ball. However, the referees did not throw flags, so Washington held on and took the 35-33 victory.
Denver raced to a 21-3 lead when Wilson found Marvin Sims from 60 yards and Johnson from 16 yards. Washington responded when Sam Howell found Logan Thomas from four yards out and Brian Robinson added a two-point run. Joey Slye then added a 49-yard field goal on the final play of the first half, bringing Washington within 21-14.
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Washington’s offense, now resurrected, continued to push forward as Howell found Terry McLaurin from 30 yards out, tying the game at 21-21, and Robinson scored on runs of two and 15 yards, putting Washington ahead 35-24 with 7:11 left in the game.
However, Washington was unable to close out the game as the Broncos’ drive ended in a field goal, cutting Washington’s lead to 8, and then stopped the Commanders, setting the stage for Wilson’s heroics in the final seconds of the game.
With the win, Washington started its season 2-0, while Denver fell to 0-2. The Commanders, however, won just two of their last 15 games, finishing 4-13 and losing their last eight.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: What happened the last time you faced the Broncos?