What happened the last time the Commanders played the Broncos?

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

Washington 35, Denver 33 Week 2, Sep. 17, 2023

The Commanders found themselves down 18, came back to lead, and had to hang on for a 35-33 win over the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.

Washington led 35-27 when Russell Wilson tossed a Hail Mary attempt from 50 yards as time expired to Brandon Johnson. The pass was originally met by Washington's Emmanuel Forbes, but failing to knock it down, Darrick Forrest then deflected the pass, which was deflected a second time by Kam Curl before being caught by Johnson for the touchdown.

On the two-point attempt Wilson's pass was directed toward Courtland Sutton, but Washington's Benjamin St-Juste arrived just before the ball, making contact with Sutton, inhibiting his ability to make the catch. However, no flags were thrown by the officials, thus Washington held on for the 35-33 win.

Denver raced to a 21-3 lead as Wilson found Marvin Sims from 60 yards and Johnson from 16 yards. Washington answered when Sam Howell found Logan Thomas from four yards, and Brian Robinson added a two-point run. Then Joey Slye added a 49-yard field goal on the first half's last play, drawing Washington closer to 21-14.

Washington's offense, now resurrected, continued to roll as Howell found Terry McLaurin from 30 yards, tying the game 21-21, and Robinson scored on runs from two yards and 15 yards, putting Washington ahead 35-24 with 7:11 remaining in the game.

However, Washington could not put away the game as the Broncos' drive ended in a field goal, reducing Washington's lead to 8, and then stopped the Commanders, setting the stage for Wilson's heroics in the game's final seconds.

With the win, Washington started their season 2-0, while Denver fell to 0-2. The Commanders, however, then won only two of their final 15 games, finishing 4-13 and losing their final eight.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: What happened the last time they faced Broncos?