Peyton Manning criticizes Deebo Samuel for dropping screen pass, causing interception: 'That can't happen'

Peyton Manning criticized Commanders WR Deebo Samuel on the Manningcast for taking his eyes off the ball on a play that led to a turnover for Washington. It was a routine play on the opening drive of the game that ended in the worst case-scenario.

Samuel was attempting to catch a screen pass from QB Marcus Mariota — something he’s done countless times before in his career. But it bounced right past his hands, off his face mask and right into the hands of Chiefs DE Mike Dunna. Manning was beside himself as the play progressed.

“You are kidding me. That can’t happen,” Manning said. “Another wide receiver screen. I like it, get it out of your hand. It’s just — Deebo. It went off his hands, to his face mask and right to the defender. … Took his eyes off of it.”

Peyton Manning was absolutely disgusted about a pass hitting Deebo Samuel in the facemask and turning into an interception. 🏈 🎙️ #NFL #MNF pic.twitter.com/HpvO6qFQp5

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 28, 2025

During the next quarter, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes would end up throwing an interception in similar fashion. Mahomes connected with TE Travis Kelce on an underneath route — or so they thought. The ball hit Kelce in his hands but it tipped off his hands and right to a waiting Bobby Wagner.

It was the second interception for Mahomes during the first half. He only had two picks on the season coming into the matchup. The first came from Commanders DB Marshon Lattimore, who picked off Mahomes along the sideline on a deep ball intended for Hollywood Brown.

Three of the first four drives of the game ended with interceptions — including the first two for the Chiefs. A sloppy first quarter from both sides led way to a scoreless start of the second. Kansas City was able to break the opening tie late in the second quarter on a one-yard touchdown rush from Kareem Hunt.

Washington was able to tie the game before halftime. Mariota marched the Commanders down the field and finished a 10-play, 66-yard drive by throwing an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Terry McLaurin on a pass that went high in the air to the opposite end zone.

Fans can watch the Peyton and Eli Manning give their reactions and analysis of Monday Night Football’s matchup between the Commanders and Chiefs live on ESPN2. The regular broadcast is live on ESPN.

The Commanders could improve to .500 on the season with a victory. Meanwhile, a loss would drop the Chiefs to 4-4, so both teams are looking at this matchup as one they need to win down the stretch.