The Washington Commanders got a taste of what happens in the NFL when you don't take your moments in a 28-27 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Northwest Stadium.
Head coach Dan Quinn's mantra has been to learn from all moments this season, and his team will have plenty to learn from after a game with many missteps.
But that is part of the journey. However, the Commanders did hold a 10-point lead in the second half, and when Washington might have had a chance to get the ball back late in the fourth quarter, Jer'Zhan Newton jumped offside on a fourth down to end any hopes of a comeback.
Quinn revealed why the loss would sting his team.
“Bobby Wagner had spoken to the team about moments and opportunities,” Quinn said. “I thought he was absolutely spot-on because there were moments and there were opportunities. So this one stings badly, the team is absolutely all in for one another, and I love that about them, how tough we are. So it should sting. These are the ones that you gotta learn and turn quickly.”
Perhaps the good thing for Washington is that it won't have long to dwell on its mistakes in the loss, with the Philadelphia Eagles up next on Thursday Night Football, but there will be plenty to learn from.
Jayden Daniels finished his day going 17 for 34 with 202 passing yards, while Austin Ekeler rushed 13 times for 44 yards and two scores.
Terry McLaurin was Washington's best, catching five passes for 113 yards, but it wasn't enough as the Commanders fell to their third loss of the year.
Things were never going to be smooth sailing all the time for the Commanders, and this loss will be another important learning moment for this new Washington regime.
