The Washington Commanders didn’t emerge from their Sunday Night Football showdown against the Denver Broncos with a victory. However, they left everything out on the field before eventually falling short.
Head coach Dan Quinn was a two-point conversion away from securing a memorable upset victory. He was right to be aggressive with the Commanders at 3-8, with nothing to lose. It didn’t pay off, but every player gave their all during a much-improved display with far more positives than negatives.
Veteran tight end Zach Ertz was a primary catalyst behind Washington’s growth. He provided a supreme safety valve for backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, who was starting once again in the absence of Jayden Daniels. He brought in 10 receptions from 13 targets for 106 receiving yards, and things would have looked even better had it not been for a dropped touchdown pass in the end zone when fatigue was firmly setting in.
Dan Orlovsky believes Zach Ertz could earn Hall of Fame consideration
This performance drew high praise from quarterback turned ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky on the morning debate show, Get Up. He highlighted Ertz’s dependability and longevity, something he believes could one day be enshrined in Canton.
“When he’s needed, he continues to show up. He’s putting together what might be a Hall of Fame career. Outstanding player.”
Dan Orlovsky
Ertz surpassed Shannon Sharpe on the all-time list for receptions by a tight end in Week 13. He’s a three-time Pro Bowler but doesn’t have an All-Pro selection to his name. Going to the Pro Football Hall of Fame probably needs more, but he’s got a good enough résumé to be nominated, at the very least.
That’s for the future. For now, Ertz will look to finish the campaign strongly before considering the next step. He’s playing well enough for another one-year deal in Washington or elsewhere. But at 35 years old, the former Stanford star could decide to walk away from the game and enjoy retirement.
It could go either way. The Commanders might want to keep him around, especially given that Ben Sinnott remains an afterthought in their game plan. They could target one in free agency or the draft, but Ertz’s continuity and chemistry with Jayden Daniels carry weight. It’s just a case of whether the 13-year vet wants to put his body through another punishing campaign.
Time will tell. But when Ertz does eventually hang up his cleats for good, Orlovsky believes that his career is worthy of Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration.
And he won’t be alone in that sentiment.
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