This past Sunday, Carolina with a record of 1-5 came to town. The Panthers are going through some growing pains especially at the QB position. Bryce Young was the first overall pick in 2023 with a lot of expectations and promise prior to playing a down in the NFL. Coming to Washington this Sunday, he would be sidelined for Andy Dalton, the 14 year veteran.
In previous years, the Commanders would be expected to play down to their opponent, which would have made this game a nail biting anger filled waste of three and a half hours where Washington would come out on the losing end of a last minute turnover that lead to a game winning score by Carolina.
That was then. Now, this game was extremely lopsided and in the favor of Washington from the start. Somehow, this day, this opponent, didn't stand a chance. Washington created turnovers, completed scoring drives, and was up 27-0 at halftime.
Commanders Game Overview
In the first half, the Commanders wasted no time taking the lead. Dante Fowler Jr. had picked off Andy Dalton and was able to take the interception to the endzone for a pick six which put Washington up early, 7-0. The play was a screen which blew up as soon as the ball was snapped. Then Jayden Daniels led the Commanders offense downfield for a short field goal by Siebert to put Washington up 10-0.
Washington's defense showed up to play as the next offensive series by the Panthers saw Dalton throw his 2nd interception of the game, this one to Emmanuel Forbes for his first career pick. This led to a Brian Robinson touchdown run in the redzone give the Commanders a 17-0 lead.
A touch down and another field goal by Siebert put the Commanders up 27-0 at halftime.
Second Half Breakdown
The second half really showcased the relentless assault the Commanders offense was having against the Panthers. It was no competition after halftime as the Commanders continued to pile on the points and move the football. This time, due to a rib injury to Jayden Daniels (nothing serious, hopefully) Marcus Mariota came in and continued where Daniels left off.
Brian Robinson Jr. also came out and pounded the football in the run game to take time off the clock and slow down the Panthers defense. Add in the play from Terry McLaurin, Dyami Brown, Jeremy McNichols, and Austin Ekeler, the offense for Washington did not hesitate to put this game out of reach.
The Commanders secure the victory with a 40-7 win against a Panthers team that likely should have stayed home.
Washington Commanders Game Balls
Marcus Mariota - completed 18-of-23 passes for 205 yards, two touchdowns and a 132.8 quarterback passer rating.
Brian Robinson Jr. - rushed 71 yards and a rushing touchdown, has recorded six touchdowns this season, a new single-season high, has scored in his last four games played for the first time in his career. He has five total touchdowns during that time.
Dante Fowler Jr. - recorded his first career interception and returned it for a 67-yard touchdown. It is the team's first interception touchdown return since Week 18 of the 2023 season, became the first Washington player since Week 8 of the 1999 season with one pick six, one sack and one tackle for loss since DL Dan Wilkinson.
67-yard interception return touchdown is Washington's longest interception return touchdown since S Kam Curl did so in 2020 with a 76-yard interception touchdown return against San Francisco.
interception returned for a touchdown is the longest interception TD return at home since S Ifeanyi Ohalete's 78-yard interception return in 2002.
Frankie Luvu - recorded his fourth sack of the season and added on two tackles for loss and one quarterback hit.
Emmanual Forbes - captured 2nd career interception, 1st since 2nd game of 2023 season.
Austin Siebert - Remains near perfect on the season with only 1 missed FG and 4 today.
Conclusion
Washington has lived up to their name by commanding teams in each game they have won.
Cliff Kingsbury has the offense rolling. The defense is starting to gel and hit its stride. All in all, the team overall is finally playing good football after 25 years of the toxicity that was Dan Snyder.
Games like this can be fun and entertaining, but the focus has to be long term and the upward direction this team needs to be going. It is very easy to get complacent off a win like this where the blowout was almost expected. It's a great start to the season but it is a long season and it can be lost quite quickly. For now, celebrate the win.
Injury Note: Jayden Daniels suffered a rib injury and confirmed no broken ribs, but more tests done on Monday.
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