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4 things we learned in Commanders season-saving win over the Packers

By Jerry Trotta

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 23: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Commanders avoids a tackle by Adrian Amos #31 of the Green Bay Packers during the first half of the game at FedExField on October 23, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 23: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Commanders avoids a tackle by Adrian Amos #31 of the Green Bay Packers during the first half of the game at FedExField on October 23, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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In a game that included a pick-six, a near fumble recovery returned for a touchdown by the opposition, countless misfires from the starting QB, the co-owner and co-CEO of the home team being greeted by a smattering of boos and “sell the team” chants, the Washington Commanders pulled out a season-saving victory.

After two straight wins following a 1-4 start, the Commanders are suddenly right in the thick of a wide-open NFC playoff picture.

The list of individuals deserving of credit for the victory is endless. The defense balled out yet again despite being victimized by penalties.

On offense, Taylor Heinicke overcame a dreadful start and allowed his receivers to pick up yards after the catch. Terry McLaurin went absolute beast mode and dominated one of the game’s elite cornerbacks and the Commanders finally committed to running the football against a porous Packers run defense.

Might we look back at this game as the one that saved the season? You never know. Here are some key things we learned from the thrilling win.

4 things we learned in Commanders’ big win over the Packers

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 23: Joey Slye #6 of the Washington Commanders kicks a field goal during the first half of the game against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField on October 23, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 23: Joey Slye #6 of the Washington Commanders kicks a field goal during the first half of the game against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField on October 23, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

4. Joey Slye is officially a liability

Slye did wonders to heal the wound left behind by the Chris Blewitt disaster last season after Dustin Hopkins was released.

In six games, Slye nailed all 12 of his field goals and nine of 10 extra-points. Not only did he provide stability at the position, but his ability to drill kicks beyond 50 yards put the offense in scoring position shortly after it crossed midfield.

This year has been a different story for the big-legged kicker. On Sunday, he missed a 47-yarder that would’ve pulled Washington within one point. At that point, Slye missed two of his last three attempts and his 6-of-8 on the season with a missed extra-point.

Incredibly, Hopkins, who just played hero for the Chargers with a bum hamstring against the Broncos on Monday Night Football, was cut a year ago this week after starting the season 12-of-14 on FGs and 10-of-12 on point afters.

Hopkins is currently on the shelf with that hamstring injury, but Slye’s shaky start to 2022 is further proof the grass isn’t always greener. If this continues, the Commanders might invite some kickers for a workout to light a fire under Slye.

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