When they last met: Commanders vs. Cardinals

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Washington Commanders 20, Arizona Cardinals 16 – Week 1, Sep. 10, 2023

In a sloppy season opener at FedEx Field, the Commanders came from behind to defeat the Cardinals 20-16.

New starting quarterback Sam Howell ran for a touchdown and passed for another touchdown, and Joey Slye added two field goals for the Commanders.

Though no one was aware at the time, the game was a foreshadowing of what was to come in the 2023 season. How so?

1. Washington would trail at halftime.
2. The Commanders would have three turnovers losing the turnover battle.
3. Washington would give up six quarterback sacks on the day.
4. The Commanders were so horrible it would be the last home win of the 2023 season.

Washington trailed 13-7 after Howell was sacked, fumbled and Cameron Thomas scooped up the fumble and only had to travel two yards for a Cardinals touchdown.

Trailing 16-10 after three quarters, Sam Howell concluded a 29-yard drive in 7 plays with his own 6-yard touchdown, putting the Commanders on top of the Cardinals 17-16.

Following another Cardinals fumble, the Commanders could only generate seven yards, but it was enough for Joey Slye’s 33-yard field goal and the final scoring margin of 20-16.

Brian Robinson Jr. led Washington rushing with 59 yards in 19 carries, while Howell completed 19 of 31 passes for 202 yards, a touchdown pass to Robinson and one interception, finishing with a passer rating of 77.6.

Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson both had five receptions for 54 and 40 yards, respectively, while Logan Thomas caught four receptions for 43 yards.

Defensively, Montez Sweat (1.5), Jonathan Allen (1.0), and Abdullah Anderson (0.5) all contributed a quarterback sack. Sweat, Allen and Daron Payne all totaled two tackles for a loss. Payne and Anderson both also recovered a Cardinals fumble.