Breaking Down Commanders 'Bendy' D vs. Patriots

In their preseason finale, the Washington Commanders defense faced a stiff test against the New England Patriots , ultimately emerging victorious with a 20-10 win. However, the game wasn't without its challenges, particularly during the Patriots' scoring drives.

Let’s take a closer look at each scoring drive by the Patriots and how the Commanders defense responded.

First Scoring Drive: 18-yard Touchdown Pass
The Patriots struck first late in the first quarter, capping off an 11-play, 83-yard drive with an 18-yard touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Drake Maye to running back Kevin Harris . The Commanders' defense struggled to contain Maye, who orchestrated the drive with precision, completing 5 of 6 passes and adding a crucial 17-yard scramble on third down. Despite forcing two fumbles during the drive, the Commanders were unable to capitalize, allowing Harris to break a tackle and reach the end zone, giving the Patriots a 7-0 lead.

Second Scoring Drive: 38-yard Field Goal
After a quiet second quarter where the Commanders' defense tightened up, the Patriots managed to extend their lead late in the third quarter. Aided by a 20-yard run by rookie quarterback Joe Milton on third and 9, the Patriots moved the ball into field goal range. The drive stalled at the Commanders’ 20-yard line, and the Patriots settled for a 38-yard field goal to extend their lead to 10-3. The Commanders' defense held firm in the red zone but struggled to prevent the Patriots from getting into scoring position.

Final Defensive Stand
With the Commanders holding a narrow 13-10 lead in the fourth quarter, the Patriots mounted a 9-play, 59-yard drive, reaching the Washington 15-yard line. Facing a critical fourth-and-4, the Commanders' defense came up big, stopping Milton just short of the first down. This defensive stand preserved Washington’s lead and ultimately led to their final scoring drive, sealing the victory.

Related: Commanders' Dan Quinn Defensive Fingerprints All Over Patriots Win

The Commanders' defense had its moments of struggle but showed resilience when it mattered most, particularly in the second half. They allowed 355 total yards, with 216 through the air and 139 on the ground. Despite these challenges, key players like KJ Henry , who recorded the team’s only sack, and Javontae Jean-Baptiste , who led the team with four tackles, stepped up when needed. The defense’s ability to bend but not break was crucial in securing the win.