The Washington Commanders unraveled against the Indianapolis Colts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. But questionable officiating calls also helped seal the loss.
Washington's lack of discipline is an ongoing frustration. However, head coach Dan Quinn's squad has every right to feel aggrieved.
Indianapolis was called for one penalty, costing them five yards. The Commanders were called for 10 for 84. Many were marginal at best, and worse, they came at absolutely critical times.
Commanders' international loss was marred by questionable officiating in key moments
No one wants to be the guy to blame the refs in a 17-point defeat. And there's no denying that Washington also should have executed better. But this has to be said.
It started when cornerback Amik Robertson was called for an extremely weak personal foul in the second quarter. Up to that point, the Commanders had dominated defensively, even after veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota's exit.
They'd just forced the Colts into a Spencer Shrader field goal, which would have maintained Washington's 6-3 lead.
Instead, Indianapolis got a fresh set of downs in the red zone, and running back Jonathan Taylor punched it into the end zone a few plays later. The Colts took the lead, and they never looked back.
It only got worse from there.
Commanders must improve their discipline, but they also need the refs to do their job properly
Rookie wide receiver Antonio Williams had an 87-yard catch-and-run touchdown called back by two different phantom penalties. Stefon Diggs had a nice gain called back by ticky-tack offensive pass interference. Meanwhile, the Colts were allowed to pummel Athan Kaliakmanis after he released the ball, and run a punt return after calling for a fair catch, with no calls.
For Commanders fans who woke up at 9:30 a.m. on the American East Coast, it was infuriating.
Washington still probably would have lost regardless, because David Blough's offense was extremely limited with its third-string quarterback. Kaliakmanis largely resorted to chucking up prayers, hoping for the best, and while a couple were answered, most weren't.
Still, there's no denying that the referees vastly shifted the momentum in this contest, and it's not the first time this season.
Remember in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys when wide receiver Dyami Brown hauled in a deep touchdown from Mariota, but it was ruled incomplete for what reason?
Aside from Week 3's miracle win over the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, the Commanders have had uncontrollable variables working against them all season.
Put their schedule and injuries together, and it's been about as difficult a first month as you could imagine.
And on Sunday, they also had to play against two different teams.
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