Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Commanders: A Graded Match.
A heartbreaking loss frustrates fans of the Burgundy and Gold, but they find encouraging signs that a franchise quarterback has been found.
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This season, the Washington Commanders have been playing close games yet losing close games, according to the so-called script. It was replayed late on Sunday afternoon in Seattle, where the Commanders were defeated 29–26 on the game’s final play.
Despite the growing frustration, rage, and sadness among fans due to the team’s increasing defeats, there is cause for excitement in the first 10 games as Washington probably has their franchise quarterback of the future. We’ll distribute the game grades and make a prediction for the upcoming matchup with the New York Giants. Now let’s get started.
Offense
This week, the offense showed off in a variety of ways. Sam Howell continues to advance in the Eric Bieniemy style, and the running backs had an incredible day.
Quarterback
Among the errors are a fumble that is lost after a significant gain, holding the ball too long on a sack, poor first-down performance, and a few incomplete throws. But Sam Howell’s third straight 300-yard performance and his combination of precise passing, creativity, patience, and scumbling were more than enough to defeat the Seahawks.
Running Backs
If there could be two grades for the running backs, one would be for receptions and the other for yardage gained. The latter would be “Incomplete” due to coaching decisions.
Tight Ends
Logan Thomas and John Bates were effective receivers after playing poorly the week before, and they both had great pass-blocking ratings.
Wide Receivers
There were two running backs and a tight end among the top four receivers in the game. Fourth on the depth chart is the top receiver. But since the ball was spread around, the receiving corps had a strong day against the Seahawks.
Offensive Line
The offensive numbers from the skill positions against the Seahawks were fairly impressive, but the offensive line produced mixed results. Rush blocking had issues and the interior of the line was porous in pass pro.
Defense
In the first half of Sunday’s game, the defense had a “bend, but don’t break” mentality. In the second half, the dam failed and burst wide open in a football flood of major proportions. The details to follow are not pretty or for the faint of heart.
Defensive Line
With only one sack and a few tackles in Sunday’s game, the line needs to find some of the swagger that it possessed last year.
Linebackers
It seemed as if Jamin Davis was the only linebacker on the field on Sunday. David Mayo continues to frustrate the fans and Khaleke Hudson was simply outmatched on nearly every play.
Safeties
If you’re looking for any positives on defense against Seattle, look no further than the safeties. Yes, their determined efforts were undermined by subpar performances from the line, linebackers, and cornerbacks.
Cornerbacks
Kendall Fuller can only do so much – he played a decent game. Emmanuel Forbes was ejected on a questionable judgment call. Benjamin St-Juste was targeted by Seattle in the 4th quarter and he failed – miserably.
Special Teams
Joey Slye missed an extra point attempt, but it did not affect the outcome of the game. Tress Way handled a poor snap with incredible concentration and Slye drilled the field goal. Camaron Cheeseman had several issues with poor snaps on field goals and punts. Antonio Gibson produced another solid day as the kickoff re
Week 11 Prediction
The Commanders will return home to FedEx Field this coming Sunday and will be looking to defeat the New York Giants in a big way. Look for the offense to be much better and the whole team will certainly be seeking revenge. Washington is a heavy favorite and, quite frankly, that is not a surprise.
Commanders 41, Giants 16
Let’s forget about any talk of the playoffs at this juncture and talk about the continued development of Sam Howell. See you as we go along.
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Grading The Game – Washington Commanders vs. Seattle Seahawks
A heartbreaking loss frustrates fans of the Burgundy and Gold, but they find encouraging signs that a franchise quarterback has been found
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The so-called script for the Washington Commanders this season has been playing out as one of close games, but close losses. It played out again late Sunday afternoon in Seattle as the Commanders lost on the last play of the game by a score of 29-26. While fans are frustrated, angered, and saddened over the mounting losses, there is something to be excited about during the first ten games – Washington likely has their franchise quarterback of the present and future. We’ll hand out grades from the game and have a prediction for the next game against the New York Giants. Let’s jump right in.
Offense
The offense shined in different ways this week as Sam Howell continued his progression in the Eric Bieniemy offense and the running backs certainly had a day to remember.
Quarterback
Some mistakes include a lost fumble after a sizable gain, holding the ball too long on a sack, first-down production issues, and a couple of throws off the mark. However, Sam Howell had a third straight 300-yard game and did more than enough to beat the Seahawks with pinpoint passing, improvisational skills, patience, and scrambling ability.
Stats:
29-44 for 312 yards, 2 rushes for 17 yards, 3 TDs, 1 FL, PFF rating 68.4, QBR 109.3
Assessment: A-
Running Backs
If there could be two grades for the running backs, one would be for receptions and the other for yardage gained. The latter would be “Incomplete” due to coaching decisions.
Stats:
Brian Robinson – 8 carries for 38 yards, 6 catches for 119 yards and 1 TD, PFF rating 84.2
Antonio Gibson – 4 carries for 13 yards, 6 catches for 42 yards and 1 TD, PFF rating 67.5
Assessment: A
Tight Ends
After a lackluster performance the previous week, Logan Thomas and John Bates were productive as receivers and both players rated highly in pass blocking.
Stats:
Logan Thomas – 5 catches for 40 yards, 5 targets, PFF rating 61.2
John Bates – 3 catches for 21 yards, 3 targets, PFF rating 73.7
Assessment: A
Wide Receivers
Three of the top four receivers in the game were a pair of running backs and a tight end. And the leading receiver is fourth on the depth chart. However, the receiving corps had a solid day against the Seahawks as the ball was widely distributed.
Stats:
Dyami Brown – 2 catches for 41 yards and 1 TD, 2 targets, PFF rating 86.8
Terry McLaurin – 4 catches for 33 yards, 8 targets, PFF rating 67.0
Assessment: B
That TD to Dyami Brown, for reference:https://t.co/HJUj8sYWq1 pic.twitter.com/tINNDDJdRH
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 14, 2023
Offensive Line
The offensive numbers from the skill positions against the Seahawks were fairly impressive, but the offensive line produced mixed results. Rush blocking had issues and the interior of the line was porous in pass pro.
Stats:
Charles Leno – 55.2 (Run), 79.1 (Pass)
Andrew Wylie – 49.1 (Run), 66.5 (Pass)
Chris Paul – 44.3 (Run), 36.8 (Pass)
Sam Cosmi – 75.2 (Run), 27.2 (Pass)
Tyler Larsen – 61.6 (Run), 23.7 (Pass)
Assessment: C-
Defense
In the first half of Sunday’s game, the defense had a “bend, but don’t break” mentality. In the second half, the dam failed and burst wide open in a football flood of major proportions. The details to follow are not pretty or for the faint of heart.
Kenneth Walker III does it all himself for 64 yards ‼️ pic.twitter.com/m5ZlJQWM3f
— PFF (@PFF) November 12, 2023
Defensive Line
With only one sack and a few tackles in Sunday’s game, the line needs to find some of the swagger that it possessed last year.
Stats:
Jonathan Allen – 4 tackles, 1 sack, PFF rating 62.5
Daron Payne – 5 tackles, PFF rating 62.2
Casey Toohill – 2 tackles, 1 pass defensed, PFF rating 61.3
Assessment: D
Jonathan Allen declined to offer his thoughts on the loss postgame. His explanation: pic.twitter.com/mUwOItNA2f
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) November 13, 2023
Linebackers
It seemed as if Jamin Davis was the only linebacker on the field on Sunday. David Mayo continues to frustrate the fans and Khaleke Hudson was simply outmatched on nearly every play.
Stats:
Davis – 11 tackles, PFF rating 63.5
Mayo – 7 tackles, PFF rating 40.7
Hudson – 1 tackle, PFF rating 54.1
Assessment: C
The broadcast just said David Mayo was “Stuck in the mud” how embarrassing and that’s every week.
— Zac (@DCzWall) November 12, 2023
Safeties
If you’re looking for any positives on defense against Seattle, look no further than the safeties. Yes, their determined efforts were undermined by subpar performances from the line, linebackers, and cornerbacks.
Stats:
Kamren Curl – 10 tackles, PFF rating 54.6
Percy Butler – 9 tackles, 1 pass defended, PFF rating 80.7
Quan Martin – 3 tackles, PFF rating 70.5
Assessment: B
Percy Butler vs Seattle
55 coverage snaps
2 targets
1 catch
-2 yards
80.7 PFF Grade (career-high)Great game in relief of Darrick Forrest #HTTC pic.twitter.com/s1Ewoq6rKp
— Mason Kinnahan (@Mason_Kinnahan) November 13, 2023
Cornerbacks
Kendall Fuller can only do so much – he played a decent game. Emmanuel Forbes was ejected on a questionable judgment call. Benjamin St-Juste was targeted by Seattle in the 4th quarter and he failed – miserably.
Stats:
Fuller – 6 tackles, PFF rating 67.3
St-Juste – 7 tackles, 2 passes defended, 2 major penalties (PI, facemask), PFF rating 54.3
Assessment: F
And for all those arguing this was a bad call – IT WAS NOT. This was 100% PI https://t.co/9ak2xmGmqR
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) November 13, 2023
St-Juste with just a HORRIBLE series defensively.
PI on 4th down and now this face mask. pic.twitter.com/tCiP3MTwIK
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) November 13, 2023
Special Teams
Joey Slye missed an extra point attempt, but it did not affect the outcome of the game. Tress Way handled a poor snap with incredible concentration and Slye drilled the field goal. Camaron Cheeseman had several issues with poor snaps on field goals and punts. Antonio Gibson produced another solid day as the kickoff returner.
Stats:
Joey Slye – 2-2 FGA, 2-3 XPs
Tress Way – 5 punts, 45.4 yard average, long of 52 yards, 2 inside the 20.
Assessment: A-
Tress Way deservedly getting love on the @NFLonFOX broadcast for saving the short-hop snap on the FG.#HTTC | @Tress_Way pic.twitter.com/xaYv7Y86Mq
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 12, 2023
Week 11 Prediction
The Commanders will return home to FedEx Field this coming Sunday and will be looking to defeat the New York Giants in a big way. Look for the offense to be much better and the whole team will certainly be seeking revenge. Washington is a heavy favorite and, quite frankly, that is not a surprise.
Commanders 41, Giants 16
Let’s forget about any talk of the playoffs at this juncture and talk about the continued development of Sam Howell. See you as we go along.
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