In a dominant performance, the Washington Commanders (5-2) hammered the Carolina Panthers (1-6) 40-7 at Northwest Stadium Oct. 20.
Despite the expected growing pains that typically accompany a rookie quarterback and a brand new coaching staff, the Commanders have gotten off to a hot start and currently sit atop the NFC East.
Looking to set the tone, Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton led his offense into Commanders territory on the opening drive. Despite early success in moving the chains, Carolina’s offense stalled. The Commanders’ defensive line forced Dalton, the 14-year veteran, to improvise outside the pocket. When Dalton’s erratic pass intended for running back Miles Sanders was intercepted by Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr., Fowler hurdled over Dalton and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown.
Forcing a three-and-out on the following drive, Washington’s defense had already secured field position and a one score lead before Jayden Daniels and the Commanders’ offense even took the field for their first series of the game. Making the correct read, Daniels held onto the ball and rushed 46 yards on their first offensive play.
After an awkward fall resulting from the 46-yard advancement, Daniels struggled through the remainder of the drive, clutching his side at several points. A field goal by kicker Austin Seibert at the end of the drive put the Commanders up by 10 in the first quarter.
The success continued for the Commanders as Dalton surrendered his second pick to cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
Backup journeyman quarterback Marcus Mariota checked into the game as the offense returned to the field. Daniels’ injury on the previous play required a trip to the locker room, leaving his return to the field in question.
Mariota failed to get the offense going on his first drive, but another quick three-and-out by the Panthers’ offense gave him another opportunity as the second quarter began. Washington running back Brian Robinson Jr. capitalized on that drive, rushing four times for 30 yards and a touchdown as the Commanders extended their lead to 17-0.
After adding a field goal between defensive stops, the Commanders’ offense took the field up 20-0 with two minutes remaining in the half. While Mariota had managed the game adequately, he still struggled to find his rhythm.
Despite misfires on previous drives, Mariota was on target as Washington drove down the field. Orchestrating an eight-play, 92-yard drive as time expired in the first half, Mariota found tight end Zach Ertz for a touchdown.
Already up 27-0, Washington came out strong in the second half. Return man Austin Ekeler evaded defenders on the opening kickoff of the second quarter for a 34-yard gain, setting up the offense with excellent field position.
In no hurry to score, Washington’s offense slowly and methodically progressed into Carolina territory. A combination of short strikes from Mariota and small gains on the ground contributed to a 10-play, six-minute drive capped by Mariota finding tight end Ben Sinnott for his second touchdown pass of the afternoon.
Carolina’s helpless offense couldn’t respond and ceded another three-and-out to the stout Washington defense. Another long drive from the Commanders was capped off with a field goal, putting the home team up 37-0 with two minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Though any chance of victory was lost for the Panthers, they played hard to the final whistle. Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard found the end zone early in the fourth quarter to prevent the shutout, though Carolina still trailed by 30.
Another field goal drive for Washington and a quick three-and-out from Carolina led to a final score of 40-7 as Mariota took a knee to drain the game clock down to zero.
Mariota performed admirably in relief of Daniels, completing 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Brian Robinson Jr. led the charge on the ground, carrying 12 times for 71 yards — an average of nearly six yards per attempt — and a touchdown. Kicker Austin Seibert was perfect yet again, going four-for-four on field goals with the longest kick of 49 yards.
Star rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels never returned to the sideline after his first-quarter rib injury and will undergo tests to determine his status going forward.
Still waiting to learn the severity of Jayden Daniels’ injury, the Commanders will look to extend their success as they prepare for their week 8 matchup with the Chicago Bears at home Oct. 27.
