Instant reactions to the Commanders convincing win over the Texans
The Washington Commanders thoroughly dominated the Texans on Sunday. In unusual fashion, the game lacked drama— Washington controlled this one from the start. To make today even sweeter for Commanders’ fans, this is the first time Washington is over .500 this late in a season since 2018.
The Commanders are winners of five of the last six, they are heating up at the right time, and did exactly what they were supposed to do today. They thoroughly beat down and handled an inferior opponent. For reference, the Commanders netted 344 yards to the Texans’ 148. Washington avoided the classic trap game.
Next week, the Burgundy & Gold has a huge home game, against the 5-6 Atlanta Falcons with playoff implications. As the Commanders enter a huge stretch, with playoff spots up for grabs, here are some reactions to the Commanders dominating win in Houston Sunday.
Instant reactions to the Commanders’ win over the Texans
1. The defense is dominant
Jack Del Rio’s unit thoroughly dominated the Houston Texans’ offense today. Houston’s catalyst, their rookie running back, Dameon Pierce, had just 8 yards rushing. Davis Mills struggled to get anything going throwing the ball down the field, averaging just 5.1 yards a pass attempt.
Washington’s defense is starting to clearly define their roles. The front four is playing at an elite level— with Chase Young on the way soon, hopefully. Jonathan Allen is playing at an All-Pro level, he completely dominated first-round pick Kenyon Green all day.
Daron Payne is playing his best ball at the right time, with a sack today he moves his season total to 6.5. The duo of Payne and Allen (The Alabama Wall!) is one of the best interior duos across the NFL.
Montez Sweat had two sacks on the day. Sweat can be one-dimensional in the way he wins but he plays with relentless effort. The depth players for the Commanders— John Ridgeway, James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill, and Efe Obada— are all filling out their roles well too. The front four for the Commanders is purely dominant and has been a catalyst for their play lately.
However, what has made the defense truly dominant at points this year, is the lack of issues in the back end. Jamin Davis has steadily improved, having fewer mental lapses, and taking on the role of wearing the green dot for Washington. His growth has been a pleasant surprise for Washington.
Another step in Jamin Davis' growth: He wore the green dot vs. Philly. They've seen steady improvement from him this season. Goes back to Week 1: "Jack jumped his ass," Rivera said. He said they realized that's what they should be doing all along b/c Davis responded well.
— John Keim (@john_keim) November 18, 2022
With Holcomb sidelined, Jon Bostic has filled in solidly in his absence. Hopefully soon, the former Tar Heel will be back to take the defense to another level.
In the secondary, a young group with loads of potential is coming into form. Benjamin St-Juste is still green, and grabby occasionally, but he competes at a high level against good competition weekly. Darrick Forrest has turned into a ballhawk for Washington, as his interception of St-Juste’s deflection, moved his turnover total to 5 on the year (3 INTs, 2 FF).
Kam Curl has been an all-important connector in the backend for the Commanders. He is rock solid fitting against the run, plays solid coverage, and rarely allows the big play. He is a few splash plays away from being recognized at the national level.
After a shaky, sometimes unlucky start, Kendall Fuller is playing his best football nabbing a pick-six today. His eye discipline and football IQ are key in the Commanders’ young secondary. Bobby McCain has played solid football as well, filling in as more of a slot cornerback this year for Jack Del Rio.
At every level, the Commanders are playing sound football on defense. The defense has played like one that has valuable assets invested at every level. And it has been the conductor of the Commanders’ 5-1 record over its last six games.