Commanders' risky move delivered immediate results fans didn't expect

"The Washington Commanders faced a daunting task against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17. They were facing a dynamic offense despite missing half of their starting defenders. On offense, they were not only down their two best linemen but also starting their third-string quarterback, Josh Johnson. Fortunately, the 10-year veteran who has been with 14 different NFL teams - taking snaps for seven of them - was up to the task."

"When he had to step in the previous week against the Philadelphia Eagles, Johnson looked very rusty. Maybe that's to be expected from a 39-year-old who, before this relief appearance, had attempted just five NFL passes since 2021. With a week of preparation, Johnson looked like a completely different quarterback. He was by no means spectacular, but he played a smart, efficient game and gave Washington a chance to pull out an unlikely victory. They didn't manage the win, but not because of the signal-caller."

"It was apparent from his first throw against the Cowboys that Johnson was going to be much better than he was against Philadelphia. It was a quick out to Treylon Burks, and the veteran could not have appeared calmer. He wasn't rushed, nor did he appear slow. His feet were perfect. So was the throw. The play resulted in a first down."

The Washington Commanders entered Week 17 undermanned defensively and missing two starting offensive linemen, starting third-string quarterback Josh Johnson. Johnson is a 10-year veteran who has been with 14 different NFL teams and taken snaps for seven. His relief appearance the prior week against the Eagles looked rusty after five NFL passes since 2021, but a week of preparation produced a markedly different performance. Johnson played a smart, efficient game that kept Washington competitive and created opportunities for first downs and a big play. He completed precise throws to Treylon Burks, Terry McLaurin, and Deebo Samuel Sr., though late-game deficiencies and an awkward sack hindered final success.

Read at Riggo's Rag