Commanders' Deficit Increases As Patriots Make Third-Quarter Field Goal

The Washington Commanders found themselves trailing by a larger margin in the third quarter of their preseason finale against the New England Patriots . After cutting the Patriots' lead to 7-3 with a 34-yard field goal by newly acquired kicker Cade York , the Commanders were unable to build on that momentum, allowing New England to extend their lead to 10-3 with a 38-yard field goal.

The Commanders had started the second half with a promising drive led by quarterback Trace McSorley. McSorley showed flashes of potential, rushing for two key first downs and connecting with running back Chris Rodriguez for a 15-yard gain. However, the drive stalled at the Patriots' 13-yard line, and Washington had to settle for the field goal to make it 7-3.

The Patriots responded quickly on their next possession. After the Commanders' defense forced a punt, McSorley and the offense took over deep in their own territory at the 3-yard line. Despite an 18-yard scramble by McSorley, the drive faltered, and the Commanders were forced to punt the ball back to the Patriots.

Starting at their own 43-yard line, the Patriots capitalized on the favorable field position. Rookie quarterback Joe Milton kept the drive alive with a 20-yard run on 3rd-and-9 and later connected with receiver Kawaan Baker for a 12-yard gain, advancing to the Commanders' 23-yard line. Although the Commanders' defense held firm in the red zone, they couldn't prevent Patriots kicker Chad Ryland from nailing a 38-yard field goal, extending New England's lead to 10-3 with 3:45 left in the third quarter.

Related: Without Jayden Daniels, Lethargic Commanders Trail Patriots, 7-0, at Halftime

As the game progressed, the Commanders needed to find a way to turn the tide and close the gap, with time running out to make a statement before the regular season begins.