Washington Commanders vs. Denver Broncos: 3 first-half takeaways

The Washington Commanders trailed the Denver Broncos 13-7 at halftime, as they are in search of their first victory since Oct. 5.

While quarterback Jayden Daniels is still sidelined with his left elbow injury, wide receiver Terry McLaurin is active and playing for the first time since Week 8.

Quarterback Marcus Mariota is starting his sixth game of his 2025 season as the Commanders' signal caller. He has completed nine of 13 passes for 72 yards, threw an interception and was sacked once for a loss of six yards.

Here are three quick takeaways from the first half.

Dan Quinn's defense struggles to contain Broncos offense

In Dan Quinn's second game serving as the Commanders' defensive coordinator, he was a mere 23 seconds away from holding back-to-back opponents to just six first-half points.

However, Bo Nix and Courtland Sutton had other plans, as the quarterback, wide receiver duo connected in the endzone for an 11-yard score with under 30 seconds remaining in the first half.

Nix has completed 15 of 24 passes for 146 yards and a score, while avoiding being sacked. He also has a carry for five yards. Broncos running back RJ Harvey has notched a team-high seven carries for 24 yards, and tight end Evan Engram and running back Tyler Badie are Denver's leading receivers, with 28 and 18 yards, respectively.

Quinn assumed the defensive coordinator role prior to the Commanders' Week 11 contest in Madrid, Spain, where the Commanders' defense held the Miami Dolphins to six points, before eventually losing the game in overtime for Washington's sixth consecutive loss.

Now Washington is on the verge of losing seven consecutive games, less than a year removed from reaching the 2024 NFC Championship game.

Zach Ertz is the life of Washington's passing offense

Ertz is the Commanders' leading receiver through the first two quarters of play.

The veteran tight end has tallied five receptions on six targets and recorded 45 receiving yards, including a 21-yard grab. He has 55.5% of the Commanders' receptions.

He passed long-time Denver Broncos' tight end Shannon Sharpe (815) for fifth on the all-time receptions list by a tight end. Ertz entered the game with 814 career receptions, needing just two to surpass Sharpe.

Quiet first half from Terry McLaurin in his first game back from injury

Veteran receiver Terry McLaurin is active and playing for the first time since Week 8, when he re-injured his quad in primetime against the Kansas City Chiefs.

In his first game back, he has tallied just a single reception for 11 yards on two targets against Denver, and is one of four receivers to catch a pass.

Deebo Samuel has two catches for nine yards, and tight end John Bates is the fourth and final Commander with a reception in the first half, for seven yards.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 3 first-half takeaways vs. Broncos