6 takeaways from Washington Commanders' heartbreaking loss to Broncos

The Washington Commanders were close, but again fell short in Sunday's 27-26 loss to the Denver Broncos.

For the second straight game, Washington took its opponent to overtime, only to suffer a similar result. Sunday's loss could prove even more heartbreaking. The Broncos entered the game 9-2 and on an eight-game winning streak. Washington had its chances and made improbable play after improbable play to force overtime.

The Broncos received the ball first in overtime and scored without issue, taking a 27-20 lead. Quarterback Marcus Mariota and the Commanders would not quit. Despite a penalty wiping out one touchdown, another dropped touchdown, Mariota found wide receiver Terry McLaurin on fourth-and-goal to make it 27-26. Head coach Dan Quinn correctly played for the win, and Denver linebacker Nik Bonitto knocked down Mariota's potential game-winning pass.

It was a heartbreaking result for the Commanders, who looked inspired on Sunday night.

Here are six takeaways from Washington's seventh consecutive loss.

Terry McLaurin's impact is significant

Washington faced off against one of the NFL's best defenses on Sunday. The Commanders outgained the Broncos 419-402 and were successful in passing and running the ball. Washington, which has struggled to do anything down the field in recent weeks, completed several passes down the field. McLaurin's presence opened things up for his fellow receivers and for the running game. Having McLaurin back meant that the Broncos couldn't crowd the line of scrimmage, allowing the running backs to find some room. McLaurin caught seven passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. He had another touchdown called back. McLaurin was outstanding from start to finish, and the difference in this offense with him is significant. You see why Washington paid McLaurin. Difference-making wide receivers are hard to find, and McLaurin is one. It will be interesting to see if McLaurin and Jayden Daniels and can get back on track once he returns.

NFL wanted the Broncos to win

There was a sequence on Washington's final drive where the officials called a strange false start on McLaurin. It was reminiscent of the bogus one on Sunday night against the Giants a few years ago. The Sunday night crew was befuddled. Then, Mariota was called for an intentional ground on the same series. It was an egregious miss by the officials.

Here's the McLaurin call:

If that wasn't enough, in the previous series, the officials somehow didn't call this tripping.

Somehow, despite all of that, the Commanders overcame each officiating error to force overtime. Mistakes happen. Do they happen this close together with a game on the line? It's almost as if the NFL wanted to help the 9-2 team because the 3-8 team wasn't going anywhere. It's time to start actually punishing these officials. Something was off on Sunday night. It was a well-played game between the two teams, and the officials couldn't help but get involved.

Last offensive series in regulation was a mess

Washington overcame everything we mentioned above to force overtime. Yet, the Commanders had a golden opportunity and one timeout remaining to go for the win, instead of the tie. However, with under 30 seconds remaining, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury calls a WR screen to Deebo Samuel, where he had no chance of getting out of bounds. It was a slow-developing play with limited upside for a significant gain. Washington had to call its final timeout.

McLaurin then took a deep shot on the next play, and it was incomplete. On the next play, Mariota ran it, picking up six yards and a first down. Somehow, he got out of bounds, but there were only 12 seconds left. The Commanders would run two more plays, one where Mariota took a shot in the end zone, but Treylon Burks ran the wrong route. Also, Deebo Samuel didn't look like he knew the play call.

That one WR screen to Samuel cost Washington too much time. If it had not happened, perhaps the game would not have gone to overtime.

Defense found its identity

Look, we aren't saying it's a good identity, but this unit has major issues. With Dan Quinn taking over playcalling, there's a strategy to try to limit the run game, play zone coverage, and keep everything in front of them. It doesn't always work, but it's an improvement over recent weeks. The big plays still happen, but are fewer. For the remainder of this season, this is how Washington's defense must play. You can't add the talent needed to transform the unit during the season. Cornerback Mike Sainristil looked much more comfortable on the outside — no surprise there.

The bend-don't-break philosophy is the only thing the Commanders can really do defensively. But they need guys to tackle well. That wasn't always the case on Sunday, as quarterback Bo Nix slipped free a few times on would-be sacks. It will be interesting to see if Washington's defense can continue to show moderate improvement over the final five weeks.

Treylon Burks' catch

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound wide receiver is taking advantage of his opportunities. Three weeks ago, Burks caught three passes for 58 yards. On Sunday, his one-handed touchdown catch in the third quarter is a contender for catch of the year.

A remarkable catch. The Commanders need to continue playing — and targeting Burks. Quinn said he was hungry. He certainly looked like it. The key for Burks is remaining healthy. The final five games are a chance for young players to play their way into Washington's plans. Burks is a perfect example. Burks gives Washington something it lacks: a big physical outside presence.

A gritty effort from Marcus Mariota

The final stats don't tell the entire story. There were some throws that Mariota would love to have back, especially the interception on Washington's first possession. But no matter what Denver or the officials did, Mariota kept getting back up and finding ways to move the chains. He was mostly accurate, trusting his veterans (Ertz, McLaurin and Samuel) to be where they were supposed to be. When Washington needed a big play, Mariota responded, whether it was with his arm or his legs. His big run on third down was an underrated moment in the game. That was one of the best games Mariota has played in the burgundy and gold, even more impressive given how good that Denver defense is.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 6 takeaways from Week 13 loss to Broncos