After a 2022 season full of disappointing losses, change was to come to Denver in 2023. It certainly doesn’t look that way now.
The Broncos completely collapsed against the Commanders today, jumping out to a 21-3 lead but falling behind late, then scoring a Hail Mary touchdown as time expired but failing to convert the two-point conversion in a 35-33 loss.
The Commanders appeared to escape pass interference on the Broncos’ two-point conversion attempt on the final play of the game, but it was not tied and Washington escaped with the win.
Commanders quarterback Sam Howell was very impressive, completing 27 of 39 passes for 300 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Running back Brian Robinson was also impressive, with 87 rushing yards and 42 receiving yards.
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson had a rough game, throwing an interception and taking seven sacks. The arrival of Sean Payton should have reinvigorated Wilson, but we haven’t seen that in two weeks. The final numbers — 309 yards and three touchdowns — look good, but Wilson isn’t where the Broncos need him.
A bright spot for the Broncos was the performance of rookie receiver Marvin Mims, who showed big-play ability as both a receiver and returner. But after a hot start for Mims, the Broncos couldn’t get him the ball in the second half.
Entering this season with such optimism for the post-Dan Snyder era, the Commanders have rewarded their fans’ optimism with a 2-0 start. The Broncos, who also had optimism about a big improvement, instead look just as bad as they did last year.
