Follow this blog for stats, highlights, updates and more during the Washington Commanders' Week 13 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
8:22 p.m.
And here we go! The Commanders have won the toss and will defer to the second half. We'll get to see the Commanders' defense up first and whether they can maintain the improvements they showed against the Dolphins two weeks ago.
8:32 p.m.
It took until the Broncos got to the 15-yard line, but the Commanders slowed up Bo Nix and the Broncos with a pass breakup by Bobby Wagner on third down. It's not ideal, but the Commanders were tighter in coverage and only allowed one explosive play. The game just started, but that alone is an improvement.
Now the attention shifts to the offense, who have a difficult task ahead of them against the Broncos and their top-ranked pass rush.
Check out the top photos of the Washington Commanders during their Week 13 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
8:45 p.m.
The Commanders ended the possession with a punt, but it wasn't a bad first drive for the offense. Marcus Mariota and the unit showed they can move the ball and have a success against the Broncos, as Mariota completed five of his six passes for 24 yards. Chris Rodriguez also had a 12-yard run that moved the Commanders near midfield. It will be a challenge for the Commanders to get the run game going, but they at least showed a willingness to stick with it. The Broncos are now taking over backed up at their own 11-yard line.
8:50 p.m.
Really nice series by the Commanders' defense. Nix had no option in the passing game, and the Broncos only moved the ball six yards. The Commanders are getting the ball back at their own 42-yard line.
8:58 p.m.
We're at the end of the first quarter, and the Broncos are holding onto a 3-0 lead. The Commanders have the ball and are still having success on the ground. Jeremy McNichols ended the quarterback converting a third-and-12 with a 16-yard gain. The Commanders have been a balanced unit so far, as half of their 70 yards cam on the ground.
9:11 p.m.
Another bend-but-don't-break series for the Commanders' defense. This time, their defensive front blew through the Broncos' offensive line with Daron Payne getting a four-yard tackle for loss. Then, with the Broncos facing a third-and-long, Nix was forced to throw a pass into the grass to evade a sack. Lutz was trotted out for another field goal to make it 6-0.
9:20 p.m.
The Commanders continue to look efficient against the Broncos. They just moved to the Broncos' 11-yard line following an 11-yard catch from Terry McLaurin, which drew some cheers from the crowd. The big story is how the Commanders have managed to establish a solid ground game against the Broncos. They have 69 yards on 14 carries with Chris Rodriguez leading the way with 22 yards.
9:56 p.m.
We're back from halftime, and while the Broncos did take a 13-7 lead with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Nix to Courtland Sutton, the Commanders are in a good spot. They get the ball at the start of the third quarter and have had success on the ground. It will interesting to see how the Broncos adjust and whether the Commanders can stick with it.
10:14 p.m.
Oh. My. Goodness.
Treylon Burks made the catch of the night earlier in the third quarter to cap off the Commanders' opening drive of the third quarter, corralling the ball with one hand for the score. Burks, who was signed to the practice squad earlier this year, has been eager to prove himself with his news team. That's one hell of a way to get people's attention.
10:21 p.m.
And the pendulum swings back in Denver's favor. RJ Harvey fan in a one-yard score to make things 20-14 with less than four minutes left to play. Washington had chances to get off the field, but explosive plays from Sutton and Nix kept the Broncos' drive alive.
10:43 p.m.
The Commanders needed a momentum-swinging play and got it, as Bobby Wagner caught an easy interception from Nix. It only ended in a field goal, but the Commanders are still in good position down by three with plenty of time left.
10:48 p.m.
Another really good series for the Commanders. The pass rush gets to Nix, and Frankie Luvu brings him down on third down. The Commanders are taking over the chance to tie or take the lead here. No reason to change the game plan; keep trusting Zach Ertz, who is closing in on 100 receiving yards, and keep trusting the ground game.
10:51 p.m.
Injury update: Percy Butler is being evaluated for a concussion and his return is questionable.
11:02 p.m.
Big moment coming up for the Commanders. The defense just got a stop. The offense is setting up at the 20-yard line with 4:42 left to play. If they have any magic left for tonight, they need it now.
12:01 a.m.
Tough ending for the Commanders. They managed to force overtime and decided to go for two points to win it, but Mariota's pass to Rodriguez was batted away. Washington falls to 3-9. Check out Commanders.com for a full breakdown of the game.
