Commanders Dominate The Raiders 41-24 (9-21-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
LANDOVER, MD— No Jayden Daniels, no problem. Veteran backup quarterback Marcus Mariota filled in, leading the Washington Commanders to a comfortable 41-24 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders yesterday afternoon at Northwest Stadium. Mariota, who appeared in two games last season for Daniels, finished the game completing 15-of-21 of his passes for 207 yards, with one passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown.
The previous week against Green Bay was a tough one for Washington (2-1), a couple of season-ending injuries to key veterans, the injury Daniels sustained, play by all phases of the team, and coaching was called into fire after the performance.
Yesterday’s performance was a great response by the team. The defense sacked the Raiders’ quarterback Geno Smith five times while holding the Las Vegas (1-2) offense to 3-of-14 on third downs and stuffing the run game to 93 yards.
Offensively, Washington made explosive plays throughout the game. Deebo Samuel returned a 69-yard kickoff on the opening play, and rookie wide receiver Jaylin Lane returned a punt for a 90-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
Jeremy McNichoals had a great touchdown run in the second quarter of 60 yards that saw him evade and break off from multiple Raider defenders. Terry McLaurin hauled in a 57-yard reception initially ruled a touchdown; however, it was reversed to him being down at the Las Vegas one-yard line. Luke McCaffery scored his first NFL touchdown, grabbing and running in for a 43-yard score.
Daron Payne continues to have a strong start to his 2025 season, finishing with a 90.6 PPF grade and an 81.8 run defense grade. Payne had six total tackles, four solo tackles, one tackle for loss, and a QB hit.
The Washington defensive line dominated the Las Vegas offensive line, which had zero push for the majority of the game. Ryan McFadden said that Las Vegas running back Ashton Jeanty was hit or behind the line of scrimmage on 11 of his 17 rushes.
Kliff Kingsbury Responds Well
Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury called a great game yesterday. He stylized the offense in favor of Mariota’s skill set, using many RPO formations that caused the Raiders’ defense trouble reading. There was also a lot of pre-snap motion, moving receivers, tight ends, and running backs around in the backfield to keep the opposition on its heels. The offense moved the ball well and looked good despite the missing pieces.
The Offensive Line and blocking dominate
The Washington o-line was under heavy scrutiny for the lack of protection and run-blocking in week two, which led to stalling out and not sustaining long drives. Washington ran for 201 yards, Mariota was only sacked once, and was not under too much pressure when dropping back for passes. Guard Chris Paul, who took over Brandon Coleman’s spot, was excellent yesterday, finishing with an 85.4 PPF grade, allowing zero pressures, zero hurries, zero sacks, and zero QB hits on 26 snaps. Andrew Wylie, who returned to the starting lineup, allowed zero pressures with a 70.0 PPF grade. Special shout to tight-ends Ben Sinnott and Cole Yankoff, who were excellent blocking today, playing physical down on the line and providing extra time for Mariota.
More Injuries
● S Will Harris: ankle (reported later he suffered a fractured fibula, and will be out indefinitely)
● S Percy Butler: Hip
● CB Marshon Lattimore: Concussion
● CB Trey Amos: Calf
● WR Terry McLaurin: Quad
Hopefully, these injuries aren’t serious and were held out due to the state of the game. The Commanders have six days until their next game, so they can get the rest to recover. Washington signed safety Darnell Savage today, released by the Jacksonville Jaguars a week ago, and will look to help aid the secondary room that has seen some early injuries.
Up Next
Washington is on the road for four of its next five contests. It will head to Atlanta on Sunday, September 27, for a 1 p.m. start time. Las Vegas will return home to host the Chicago Bears.
