The Washington Commanders took care of business Sunday with a 23-10 win over the Houston Texans to improve to 6-5 on the season. Washington goes over .500 for the first time since Week 1.
The Commanders jumped on the Texans fast and never looked back. Cornerback Kendall Fuller intercepted Houston quarterback Davis Mills and returned it 37 yards for the touchdown on the Texans’ second play from scrimmage.
Washington’s plan on offense was to lean on its running game as it did in Monday night’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Commanders would run for 153 yards, and their defense held Houston to just 148 total yards.
Here are five takeaways from the Commanders’ 23-10 win over the Texans.
Taylor Heinicke did enough
Washington didn’t ask a lot of Taylor Heinicke on Sunday. He completed 15 of 27 passes for 191 yards. His first pass of the day was a terrible overthrow that should’ve been intercepted, however, Texans safety Jalen Pitre dropped it.
He made some good throws in the game and missed some throws he should’ve made. He only attempted five passes in the second half because Washington didn’t need him to throw the ball. The Commanders needed Heinicke to play the role of game manager Sunday, and that’s precisely what he did. That won’t be enough for the remainder of the season.
Heinicke wasn’t bad on Sunday, and he wasn’t why Washington won the game, either.
Gibson and Robinson carry the Commanders' offense
The Commanders wanted to lean on Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson Jr. Sunday. After a slow start, Washington’s talented young back began to get more comfortable. Gibson led the Commanders with 72 rushing yards, while Robinson chipped in with 57 yards. There were a lot of tough yards for both backs.
Check out this Robinson run on a third-and-2.
3rd and 2 – BRob just wants it more! pic.twitter.com/pK9kZaWQuS
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) November 20, 2022
Neither player had a huge game, but that’s by design. Offensive coordinator Scott Turner is intent on splitting duties between the two backs.
Logan Thomas is back
Ok, Thomas has been back, but he’s never looked right. Thomas was activated this summer after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL he suffered last December. There was also the calf injury that sidelined him for a few weeks.
In Sunday’s win, Thomas caught five passes for 65 yards — both of which led the team. Thomas was getting open down the field and looked faster after the catch. With six games remaining, this is the perfect time for Thomas to round into form. Thomas is a terrific red-zone weapon, something Heinicke will need over the final stretch of the season.
Defensive line wins again
Washington’s defensive line continues to play at a different level than everyone else. The Commanders sacked Davis Mills five times on Sunday and hit him nine times. Jonathan Allen, Montez Sweat and Daron Payne were again the top contributors, but Efe Obada, James Smith-Williams, John Ridgeway and Casey Toohill are all playing well.
Chase Young returns next week. This unit has an opportunity to carry the Commanders into the playoffs.
Secondary is playing lights out
Kendall Fuller’s interception return for a touchdown started things for the Commanders. Benjamin St-Juste played a terrific game, while safeties Kam Curl and Darrick Forrest were outstanding. Forrest is a ballhawk. His interception in the fourth quarter was a tremendous individual effort and displayed his impressive range. It’s hard to believe where this unit was eight weeks ago. Benching — and eventually trading — William Jackson III, moving St-Juste to the outside and making Forrest a full-time starter at safety completely changed Washington’s defense. The confidence this group plays with now is evident.
