The New England Patriots dismantled the Washington Commanders in a lopsided 48-18 rout Friday night, showcasing a relentless ground attack and opportunistic defense. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson electrified the crowd with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, while Lan Larison (7 carries, 35 yards, 1 TD) and Drake Maye (2 carries, 16 yards, 1 TD) led a rushing assault that piled up 153 yards. Quarterback Ben Wooldridge was surgical through the air, completing 9 of 12 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown, including a 20-yard strike to Efton Chism III, who finished with six catches for 50 yards. The Patriots' defense stifled Washington's offense, forcing two interceptions—including a pick by Jordan Polk—while holding the Commanders to just 3.4 yards per pass attempt in the second half.

Washington's struggles were compounded by costly mistakes, as quarterbacks Josh Johnson (15/22, 173 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) and Sam Hartman (9/19, 64 yards, 1 INT) failed to sustain drives against New England's aggressive defense. Wideout Ja'Corey Brooks (5 catches, 59 yards) was the lone bright spot, but the Commanders' 13 penalties for 98 yards and inability to convert third downs (5-of-13) doomed any chance of a comeback. The Patriots' dominant performance—converting 5-of-6 red zone trips into scores—sends a statement as they build momentum, while Washington heads back to the drawing board after a night to forget.