49ers vs. Commanders: 3 Takeaways From 7th Straight Loss

The Washington Commanders ended 2023 with a 17-point loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

The Washington Commanders held their own for much of the game, but in the end, it was the same result as the previous six games, as they lost to the San Francisco 49ers 27-10 on Sunday at FedEx Field.

The Commanders have now lost seven straight games.

Washington put up a valiant fight, coming back for a 10-point deficit to tie the game in the 2nd quarter. Eventually, the 49ers’ talent proved too much as the cast of All-Stars pulled away in the 2nd half and clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC after the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Arizona Cardinals 35-31.

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Sam Howell’s struggles continue:

There’s no telling what the future will hold for Sam Howell. He struggled again, throwing two interceptions, both of which came in the fourth quarter.

Howell has now thrown three touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions in his last six games. He finished the day completing 17 of 28 passes for 169 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

Howell made multiple big throws and had Washington within striking distance of an upset. Unfortunately, when the Commanders had a chance to cut the lead to three in the 4th quarter, the turnover bug bit Howell again when he was intercepted at the 49ers’ five-yard line by Charvarius Ward on the second play of the fourth quarter. Howell threw his second interception of the game on the ensuing possession after San Francisco extended its lead to 17.

Howell went from looking like the answer to the Commanders' longstanding woes at the game’s most important position early in the season to another in a long line of quarterbacks who haven’t panned out since Kirk Cousins left in 2017. With another tough outing, Howell’s days in Washington may be numbered regardless of who’s calling the shots next season.

Terry McLaurin and Brian Robinson Jr. are building blocks:

Even with the Commanders’ struggles this season, they aren’t bereft of talent. On the offensive side of the ball, Terry McLaurin and Brian Robinson Jr. have proven to be players Washington can build around on offense.

McLaurin had four catches for 61 yards and a touchdown against San Francisco, while Robinson ran the ball nine times for 44 yards and four catches for 42 yards.

Even with the uncertainty surrounding Washington after next Sunday, McLaurin and Robinson Jr. should remain a part of the franchise’s future.

49ers Win vs. Commanders, Eagles Loss vs. Cardinals Clinches NFC No. 1 Seed

Commanders need difference-makers on defense:

You wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Commanders need difference-makers on both sides of the ball, but it’s especially apparent on defense.

Even before trading defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat, Washington was among the league’s worst on the defensive side of the ball. The Commanders have allowed at least 27 points in each of its seven straight losses. In that span, they have allowed an average of 33.57 points per game.

No one on the defensive side can change a game, and that has become more evident as the losses have mounted. While addressing the quarterback position should be the priority, investing in a defense that needs to be revamped has to be a priority for whoever is in charge next.