Commanders Roll Past Panthers, In 40-7 Blowout (10-21-24)

By: Jaden Golding

Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders

Landover, MD—The Washington Commanders defeated the Carolina Panthers 40-7 at Northwest Stadium on Oct. 20. Carolina (1-6) has now dropped four games in a row since Andy Dalton led them to an upset 36-22 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on September 22. Washington (5-2) responded well after a close, battle-tested loss to the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday. 

Daniels Exits The Game

Outside of the Washington victory, the main headline from this past weekend’s game was Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels leaving the game in the first quarter after injuring his ribs on a 46-yard run on the second drive. On the run it looked like when Daniels was tackled by the two Carolina defenders their bodies landed on him when he was taken to the ground. In the next play, Daniels kept the ball on an RPO and had some space to the left side to make a move but he went down early. You could see the discomfort on his face and the slight hand to his rib area. The drive would end with a field goal by the Commanders and before the next drive Daniels tried to make practice throws before going to the sidelines with a trainer and slamming his helmet down. Tough break for the rookie. When speaking to the media Monday, head coach Dan Quinn said “It’s not going to be something that’s going to knock him out long-term. So, we’re going to list it as week-to-week. And hopefully, he’ll play this week and we’ll take it through.”

Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota filled in for the injured Daniels and performed great completing 18-of-23 passes for 205 yards, two touchdowns, and rushing for 34 yards. Mariota had some moments of rust at first where he missed some throws albeit this is his first action after missing almost all of preseason and not getting many reps in at practice due to an injury. But when he settled in, Mariota looked poised and in control, scrambling on the ground to extend plays with both his legs and arm. He did a great job of managing the game and finding his playmakers.

Wide receiver Terry McLaurin caught six receptions for 98 yards, and tight ends Zach Ertz and Ben Sinnott each had touchdown receptions.

Running back Brian Robinson Jr. returned after missing last week, with 12 carries for 71 rushing yards and a score.

Washington Player Of The Game

LB Dante Fowler Jr.: Another great outing from Fowler Jr., he set the tone from Carolina’s first drive, picking off Dalton for a 67-yard touchdown return. He would finish with a sack, two tackles, a tackle for loss, and a QB hit. The production continues week after week.

The Commanders outgained Carolina from 421 yards to 180 yards. Carolina only completed 3-of-10 third-down attempts and was unsuccessful on their only fourth-down attempt.

Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. had Washington’s second interception of the game as well. A good moment for the young corner after having a rough week one performance, missing time due to injuries, and performance issues. Hopefully, he can keep it up. 

Injuries:

● OT: Brandon Coleman: Coleman left the game with a head injury and did not return. Quinn announced he has entered the concussion protocol to start the week.

Up Next:

This Sunday, Washington hosts the number one overall pick of this year’s draft in Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears. Depending on Daniels’s availability through walkthroughs and practice this week, we could see the number one and two overall picks going head-to-head.