Hogs Haven
Washington Post (paywall)
Depleted Washington loses its fifth in a row, 44-22, and looks as hapless as ever on defense in the process.
The play encapsulated what has been a miserable season for the Washington Commanders. Just about everything that could go wrong did go wrong.
Washington’s defense crumbled — literally and figuratively — again in a lopsided 44-22 loss to the Lions on Sunday. Without quarterback Jayden Daniels (dislocated elbow) and Terry McLaurin (quadriceps), the Commanders’ offense couldn’t keep up. The rematch of last year’s divisional-round matchup was pretty much over by halftime.
Washington’s defensive staff changed the structure of its meetings, added more walk-through time, had players listen to voice-overs breaking down plays and tasked them with homework assignments. The hope was that all would lead to improved play.
None of it made a difference because the defense couldn’t slow down the Lions. Washington allowed 546 total yards, 8.0 yards per play and 30 first downs.
This came 10 months after the Commanders forced five turnovers in their playoff upset in Detroit.
Commanders.com
Jahmyr Gibbs weaved through Washington Commanders defenders before breaking loose down the right sideline.
The 44-yard touchdown — Gibbs’ third of the night — was the punctuation mark on what was a frustrating night for the Burgundy & Gold. The Commanders needed a complete game to compete with the Lions’ high-powered offense, but while there were spurts of success that helped keep things manageable for two quarters, a mixture of mistakes and injuries ultimately served as their undoing in a 44-22 loss — their fifth consecutive defeat after starting the year 3-2.
Heavy.com
Ertz recorded four receptions on five targets for 54 yards in Sunday’s 44-22 loss to the Lions. Ertz was among Marcus Mariota’s favorite targets, tying for the team lead in both targets and receptions while finishing second in yardage. He accounted for most of his production with the Commanders chasing the score, including long catches of 30 and 12 yards. This was Ertz’s best performance with Mariota under center, though he’ll head into a potentially high-scoring matchup against the Dolphins in Week 11.
ESPN
Washington defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw said after the game that St. Brown had punched Payne.
“Yeah for sure, and they (saw it), too,” Kinlaw said of the refs. “It’s some bulls—- . 100 percent.
“Daron retaliated. The refs literally saw the first punch. I don’t blame him for the way he reacted. Tempers got to flaring.”
St. Brown told reporters after he game that “two plays before that we got into a little scuffle, back and forth. Then we end up scoring and I go up to him. I say a little something, nothing crazy,...
