Commanders trail Broncos 21-14 at halftime

The Denver Broncos lead the Washington Commanders 21-14 at halftime. Washington kicker Joey Slye drilled a 49-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to make it a one-score game.

Early on, it looked like the Broncos were going to blow the Commanders out. A pair of Russell Wilson touchdown passes gave Denver a 21-3 lead in the second quarter. Meanwhile, Washington’s offense failed to finish drives; whether it was a bad snap from long snapper Camaron Cheeseman that cost the Commanders points or pass protection issues, Washington failed to get anything going offensively.

The defense was even worse.

However, linebacker Jamin Davis sacked Wilson near midfield, jarring the ball loose and giving the Commanders another chance. Quarterback Sam Howell drove Washington down the field, but the Commanders appeared to stall again. This time, head coach Ron Rivera channeled his “Riverboat Ron” alter ego and went for it on fourth-and-goal. Howell delivered, finding tight end Logan Thomas in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. Thomas took a nasty shot from Denver DB Kareem Jackson, who was rightfully ejected.

The Commanders went for the two-point conversion and were successful, making it 21-11.

After stopping Denver, Washington had one more possession. Howell took the Commanders across midfield with a big run, but left tackle Charles Leno Jr. was called for holding, wiping the big play out.

Howell responded again, putting the Commanders into field-goal range, and Slye converted.

Denver will open the second half on offense.

Howell completed 19 of 30 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown. He was sacked three times. Tight end John Bates led Washington with three receptions for 46 yards.

Wilson completed six of eight passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns.

Story originally appeared on Commanders Wire