For the first time since 09/28/2003 the Washington Commanders beat the New England Patriots. The Commanders only won by three but their play was far more dominant, they controlled the ball on offense dominating time of possession 37:10 to 22:50, outgained the Patriots 432 to 327, and were 9 for 17 on third down including a conversion on a brilliant 23 yard scramble by Sam Howell.
The Patriots came out flat and dug themselves into a hole early, down 10-0, the Commanders threw them a lifeline with a Brian Robinson fumble and short field. The rest of the game was a back forth battle that was controlled by Howell and the Commanders offense. One key thing to note today was the Commanders defense got no pressure on Mac Jones, they were clearly missing their two stud defensive ends, Young and Sweat. Apparently addition by subtraction doesn’t work when it comes to QB pressures and sacks.
