The Washington Commanders continued their impressive season with a commanding 40-7 win over the Carolina Panthers, despite a significant early setback. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, whose record-breaking performances have captured the league’s attention, left the game in the first series after sustaining a rib injury. Fans had reason to worry, but backup quarterback Marcus Mariota quickly stepped up.
Mariota, thrust into action, started shakily, missing his first three pass attempts. However, the veteran quarterback found his rhythm, orchestrating six scoring drives. He finished the day completing 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns, earning a stellar quarterback rating of 132.8. Tight ends Zach Ertz and Ben Sinnott each hauled in their first touchdown receptions of the season, while running back Brian Robinson Jr. added a rushing score. This marked Washington’s third victory of the season by 21 or more points.
Carolina quarterback Andy Dalton struggled mightily, beginning with an intercepted screen pass on the opening drive by Commanders defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., who returned it 67 yards for a touchdown—the first pick-six of his career. Fowler, fresh off a two-sack performance against the Ravens, delivered a standout game, contributing a sack, a fourth-down stop, and the defensive touchdown. Dalton’s woes continued as he managed only 93 passing yards with two interceptions and a dismal quarterback rating of 44.0. The second interception was snagged by cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr., who was returning from being inactive the previous week.
The Commanders dominated every facet of the game, outgaining the Panthers in total yards (421 to 180), first downs (26 to 10), and time of possession (35:05 to 24:55). Despite losing their star quarterback early, the team showcased resilience and depth, with Mariota highlighting the team’s camaraderie: “When you have a brotherhood like this, you’ll find ways to win.”
Adding to the day’s significance, the franchise retired Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green’s jersey number during a heartfelt halftime ceremony. A cornerstone of Washington’s secondary for 20 years, Green played a pivotal role in two Super Bowl victories during the Joe Gibbs era. His legacy, along with that of fellow Hall of Famer Art Monk, is celebrated as emblematic of the franchise’s golden years.
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