Commanders Missed Opportunities Prove Costly, Falling To The Chiefs 28-7 (10-28-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports
KANSAS CITY, MO— The Washington Commanders dropped their third-straight contest last night against the Kansas City Chiefs, 28-7, on Monday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium. Tight-end Travis Kelce led the way for Kansas City, hauling in six receptions for a season-high 99 yards and one touchdown.
Veteran backup quarterback Marcus Mariota made his third start of the season in place of the injured Jayden Daniels (hamstring). Mariota completed 21-of-30 passes for 213 yards through the air, one passing touchdown, and two picks. He also ran the ball eight times for 28 yards.
Washington’s running game was non-existent for the third straight week, only eclipsing 60 total yards. The protection was 50-50, with times when Washington allowed Kansas City defenders to seep through the line, causing Mariota to speed up and have to escape to the outside.
Mariota and the offense struggled to finish on the opportunities that they gained through the first half;
● Opening drive: The offense drove to Kansas City’s 18-yard line. On a screen pass to wide receiver Deebo Samuel, Samuel seemed like he was trying to run due to the open space outside before he completely had both hands on the ball, which caused him to have the ball bounce out of his hand into the hands of Mike Danna (interception).
● Second drive of the game: After Marshon Lattimore picked off Patrick Mahomes, Washington had a 4th & 6 from the Kansas City 40-yard line. The Commanders elected to go for it due to Matt Gay missing the contest with a back injury. Mariota found tight-end Zach Ertz, who appeared to catch the ball and fall at the first-down marker. But after a virtual measurement, they marked him short, resulting in the Chiefs gaining possession.
● After another interception forced by the Washington defense, a 22-yard catch and run by John Bates helped the Commanders’ offense move to the Kansas City side of the field. However, the Washington offense faced another fourth-down attempt, 4th & 1 from the KC 28. Mariota dropped back for a pass and appeared not to find a good look across the field, ending up throwing it away deep to Terry McLaurin, resulting in a turnover on downs.
The Commanders missed a potential 21 points on their first three drives and had a chance to lead comfortably heading into the second half. However, how the defense played in the first half allowed Washington to keep it close and stay competitive until the middle of the third quarter.
Tale of Two Halves
As mentioned, the defense was at its best in the first half. They played linebacker Jordan Magee and safety Tyler Owens way more, both of whom played a season-high number of snaps. Magee and Owens provided speed to this defense, which has been missing this season. Frankie Luvu played on the edge against Kansas City due to the injuries on the defensive line. The defense forced two interceptions (one by Marshon Lattimore, who made a nice play on the ball on a back-shoulder fade route to Marquese Brown, and the other by Bobby Wagner on a dropped pass by Kelce). After Washington scored before the end of the second quarter, Mahomes and Kansas City had a little under a minute to score. Still, Washington held them to a three-and-out, forcing an intentional grounding on Mahomes to end the quarter.
However, in the second half, Washington’s defense struggled terribly, as Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid adjusted and picked apart Washington’s zone defense. Mahomes had too much time to climb the pocket, extend plays, and read downfield with his eyes to find open receivers.
Both of Kansas City’s touchdowns in the third quarter were eight-play 75+ yard drives, where they drove the length of the field, running the ball through creases and creating explosive plays (38-yard reception by Kelce & 24-yard exception by Juju Smith-Schuster).
Lattimore missed a potential fumble recovery with Washington trailing 14-7, after safety Darnell Savage punched it out of Rashee Rice’s hands. Lattimore tried to scoop it up instead of falling on it. Kansas City has fumbled the ball eight times and lost zero of them.
Standouts
● Jeremy McNichols: McNichols continues to show why this staff keeps him around in the running back room. He played Austin Ekeler’s role to perfection tonight, hauling in five receptions for 64 yards, leading all receivers. But his pass protection is an underrate
