The Washington Commanders were back in action to host the Denver Broncos in a Sunday Night Football thriller in week 13 that turned into an overtime frenzy.
While the Broncos defeated the Commanders 27-26, this was the most competitive game for Washington since week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers, signaling a clear sign of team growth.
Washington’s chance of a win was determined by a two-point conversion attempt, moments after Terry McLaurin hauled in the game-tying touchdown in overtime. It was an abrupt yet disappointing finish that sent shockwaves throughout Northwest Stadium, hinting at a true momentum-changing game.
“I thought leaving the field, ‘This was two teams going for it,’” said head coach Dan Quinn, “I felt that way. It felt like a battle.”
After missing the past three games with a lingering right quad injury, McLaurin’s return provided a crucial boost to an offense that has been battered by injuries all season. The Commanders were also expected to regain additional reinforcements this week, though injuries continued to shape their matchup against Denver.
“That was great. You can see it out there. He’s a special player the more that we can get him to rock,” said quarterback Marcus Mariota. “He’s going to make plays for us, and he made some big third-down catches. He made an unbelievable catch to start the overtime to get us going. I mean, (he’s) an unbelievable player and we’re fortunate to have him.”
Wide receiver Noah Brown and defensive end Drake Jackson were both ruled out. Brown remains “close” to returning, according to Quinn, while Jackson has been activated and could be available for game action.
Further, safety Will Harris was activated for Sunday Night Football after he fractured his fibula in Week 3.
Despite those returns, Washington again took the field without its starting quarterback. Jayden Daniels was ruled out for the second straight week as he recovers from a dislocated left elbow, giving Mariota his sixth start of the season.
One of the game-defining moments came in the third quarter. Wide receiver Treylon Burks delivered what might have been the catch of the year, a one-handed Odell Beckham Jr.-style touchdown grab, just 20 days after undergoing finger surgery. The score marked Burks’ first touchdown reception of the season and first since Week 13 of 2022.
“His hunger index is high. This is a guy that is wanting to prove it, and there’s always a space for that type of competitor here,” said Quinn. “Everybody’s got a journey and sometimes they start one way and [it] doesn’t have to stay that way. And coming here I felt nothing but intensity from him to go.”
While Broncos cornerback Riley Moss provided strong coverage over him, Burks reached up and pulled down the highlight reel grab. Even Beckham himself took notice, posting “13 13” and “Snag” on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The moment had not only executing an iconic play that happened 11 years ago in Beckham’s career with the New York Giants, while wearing the same No. 13 jersey that Burks is wearing now in Washington.
The Commanders fall 4-9 on the season as the Denver Broncos have advanced to a thrilling 10-2.
Washington will hit the road to face NFC North opponent, the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Dec. 7 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
“We’re going in the right direction. It’s not exactly where we want to be, but I think putting together a great week of practice, I think we just continue to stack these,” said Mariota. “Regardless of what it looks like for us, it’s all about the process and the journey. The more that we can find ways to improve week to week, I think that sets a solid foundation for what’s to come.”