In a commanding victory, the Washington Commanders defeated the Carolina Panthers 40-7 on Sunday. The game took a turn when rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels left the field due to a rib injury, leading to Marcus Mariota taking over and showcasing his football prowess.
Mariota stepped up to the challenge, completing 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and throwing two touchdown passes to tight ends Zach Ertz and Ben Sinnott. The Commanders' defense also shined, with Dante Fowler intercepting Andy Dalton for a 67-yard pick-6 and Emmanuel Forbes adding another interception to the mix.
Despite concerns over Daniels' injury, the Commanders thrived without him, amassing 421 total yards against the Panthers' defense. Brian Robinson Jr. returned from a knee injury to contribute a touchdown, further bolstering Washington's lead.
On the defensive end, Washington limited the Panthers to just 180 yards, sacked Dalton twice, and effectively shut down Carolina's offense on third-down opportunities.
Carolina's struggles continued as Dalton, who started over Bryce Young, failed to spark a comeback. Chuba Hubbard, who had been a standout performer in recent weeks, was held to just 52 yards on 17 carries.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will face the Denver Broncos next Sunday, while the Commanders are set to host the Chicago Bears.
Overall, Washington's dominant performance showcased their resilience in the face of injuries and their ability to capitalize on opportunities. With Mariota at the helm, the Commanders look poised for continued success as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Injuries:
Panthers: RB Raheem Blackshear left with a shoulder injury, and TE Tommy Tremble was inactive due to a back issue.
Commanders: In addition to Daniels' rib injury, rookie LT Brandon Coleman suffered a concussion in the first half.
Up next:
Panthers: At Denver next Sunday.
Commanders: Host Chicago next Sunday.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
