Since the Eagles can't get past Washington's 50 yards, they can't score either. Who would dare attempt a field goal from their own half? You have to be crazy or desperate.
With seven minutes left in the second quarter, the Commanders again had the ball in hand. The duel between the defensive and offensive lines is the key to the game in everyone's eyes, and it is obvious that Shoya and his team are dominating.
Shoya did take sacks, but overall, the offensive line had a good game.
Commanders in pistol formation are spoilt for choice, but what is certain is that they have to make the clock tick with simple plays. A power run through the middle and a short pass down the middle gained 6 yards, and the Commanders found themselves in 3rd & 4.
QB coach Rogers looked at Shoya and chatted with Johnson: "Are you going to let him?" he asked worriedly. He watched what was happening on the field and saw Shoya change the game that had been discussed with them in the first place.
There are several roles to consider: the head coach and the offensive coordinator. But Johnson, being an offensive coach initially, calls the plays himself, and Rogers in addition to being the QB coach, he is also an offensive consultant.
"You know, sometimes we need the boldness of a rookie. It's visible in training, but Shoya has given vitality to this attacking team. It would be wrong to rein in him. He still needs to improve a few things, but that will come with experience. We don't have any more pressure, and if he makes mistakes, that's okay," Johnson said.
He doesn't know if he'll be retained at the end of the season, but that doesn't change the fact that he's optimistic about Shoya's future, and he took the gamble of benching the starter in the middle of the season to show his faith in him.
"He doesn't look like a rookie at all!" says Rogers, and Johnson can only nod in agreement.
He saw Shoya start the game. Since the game was no longer as planned, he paid particular attention to the situation. If asked for his opinion, he'd favor a QB taking the initiative to try something else.
"Barthélémy for the high pass... " said the commentator.
Mustafa began to sprint. Shoya's instructions are simple: Let him challenge the defender and always accelerate straight ahead. That's why he was isolated against the Eagles' No. 2 cornerback, second-year Jay Glary.
The intentions are apparent, that he takes advantage of his physicality to receive the ball. This play is designed for him, and he knows it.
He runs according to the route he has to take. It's a long pass.
"Copperfield catches the ball and turns around! He keeps going, thirty yards, twenty yards, ten yards... What a comeback from Eagles safety Blankenship! But what a pass from Barthelemy that puts Washington at the gates of the end zone! ESPN commentator said excitedly.
Those of Philadelphia immediately suppressed the screams of the Washington fans, but the situation was not ideal. The Commanders are in 1st & Goal in Philadelphia's 6-yard line.
It's not just the first attempt but a giant leap forward that Shoya has made. You have to be bold at this point because the Eagles can wake up at any moment, it would have been safer to temporize, but it proves that Shoya is growing.
A puppet QB of his coordinator will undoubtedly fail.
"Isn't the connection between the two too amazing in such a short time? Initially, they were only partially in contact with each other. Rogers asked, surprised by Mustafa.
"Both look the same on the course if you look closely. Why was he on special teams all this time? Is there something we missed?" Not only him and Rogers but everyone else is surprised by Copperfield.
In fact, Shoya's performance is very good, but there were all the factors to consider. But coming out of the shadows for a receiver isn't easy. In other words, Mustafa took the opportunity he seized and turned it into gold.
And Shoya knows his characteristics because they have been dating often for two weeks, going to the mosque together, and Shoya's tenure, in addition to the questioning of the status in the team, allowed him to take the small gap that remained to impose himself.
There is indeed luck, but there is also the strength that allowed him to have the chance and then the strength to seize the chance. Being there at the right time can change a career; that's what's happening here.
The Commanders got the ball back before the final two minutes of the first half. It's time to play fast, and every second is precious. Teams play in no-huddle offense during this period.
Everything was going well. The Commanders started from their 30 yards and came up in 2nd & 15 in the Eagles' 31 yards... It's so much to be hazing.
"INTERCEPTION! It's the first career interception for the young Commanders quarterback! What a blow when he was close to it! »
"Barthelemy's pocket was more solid, but the ball that was meant for Tooney was mistimed and it was Bradberry who caught the ball!"
Shoya took off his helmet, frustrated, and walked off the field accompanied by the offensive team. He had completed all his passes so far and blames himself a lot. But the fairy count broke with this interception.
After he walked off the field, head coach Johnson, Rogers, Mustafa and the others stepped forward and slapped their shoulders expressing comfort and encouragement. It's part of the game and even the elite can't escape it.
He sat down on the bench and began to think about defensive reading, looking for his mistakes. It's not that he's an idiot, but he's sure he's been tricked by the Eagles.
"Shoya, are you okay?" Gardner Minshew the older brother looked at Shoya with worried eyes, he has been there too and knows how Shoya feels. He patted his arm and comforted him, "It's only once! An accident, interceptions, fumbles are always inevitable in the game. Don't worry too much and focus on the second half. This is where you need to be strong. He said, pointing his brain.
"The mistake I made earlier is my own." Shoya did not shy away from his responsibilities to the rest of the team by reassuring his coach and teammates who went out with him.
Johnson also came to check on his QB's condition, explaining: "Don't pay attention to the interception, it's not a tactical mistake. You're doing a great job at the moment. »
Shoya, in real life, doesn't feel anything anymore. The frustration was just temporary, and he realized that he made his teammates worried: "Okay, I'll be sure. I'm focused on the second half. »
Sure enough, the Eagles didn't have time to look for a field goal and Washington was ahead at the break "13:0"