While there were a couple of questionable calls down the stretch, the Commanders can’t solely blame the game officials for their 20-12 loss to the New York Giants.
You didn’t need to be a mind reader to tell what head coach Ron Rivera thought of the game officials in Washington’s loss on Sunday.
On the final drive of the game, with Washington trailing by eight, two questionable calls in crucial situations went against the Commanders.
First, a Brian Robinson touchdown was taken off the board due to a ticky-tack illegal formation penalty. On the last play, officials ignored blatant pass interference by the Giants.
However, in the most important game of the season, the Commanders squandered scoring opportunities, including in the first quarter when they punted instead of attempting a long field goal.
Quarterback Taylor Heinicke lost two fumbles, including a strip-sack that was recovered for a touchdown. Saquon Barkley, who had struggled recently, rushed for 87 yards against Washington’s vaunted defensive line.
During the Commanders’ run of six wins in seven games earlier this season, Washington played with a chip on its shoulder. In the past two games against the Giants, in which they went 0-1-1, the Commanders played like a team that could afford to lose.
Washington’s final three games — at San Francisco, vs. Cleveland, and vs. Dallas — will be difficult.
If they don’t recapture the magic of earlier this season, the Commanders can forget about a return to the playoffs.
