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

Detroit 36, Washington 27 – Week 2, September 18, 2022

Detroit pounced on Washington early and often, racing to a 22-point halftime lead and then coasting to a 36-27 win on Ford Field.

Jared Goff passed for four touchdown passes, including two to Amon-Ra St Brown of 13 and 11 yards. Josh Reynolds caught one from three yards and D’Andre Swift as well from 22 yards.

The Lions were quicker and more aggressive, looking like they came ready to play, whereas Washington was a step slow, getting manhandled up front, and even giving up safety when Carson Wentz was sacked in the end zone by Charles Harris.

After the Lions led 22-0 at the half, they appeared to lose intensity, allowing Washington to at least make the score respectable at 22-15 and then 36-27 in the final.

Carson Wentz completed touchdown passes in the third quarter to Curtis Samuel of 15 yards and Logan Thomas of 20 yards, and then late in the fourth quarter to Jahan Dotson from 1 yard.

Goff passed for 256 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions, resulting in a 121.7 passer rating, while Wentz had 337 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception and was sacked five times for a 99.6 rating.

The win was the first for the 2022 Lions, evening their record at 1-1. Washington had defeated the Jaguars in the opener and thus fell to 1-1.