NFL
By: Courtney Byrd
The Washington Commanders entered Sunday’s home opener looking for their first win and facing the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels. By the end of the afternoon, they had a 33–31 upset, a strong performance from Marcus Mariota, and a decision to make as Daniels works toward a return.
Mariota threw three touchdown passes without an interception, while Washington’s defense forced three turnovers to hand Seattle its first loss of the season. The victory moved the Commanders to 1–2 before their trip to London to face the Indianapolis Colts. It also showed that Washington can compete while Daniels recovers, giving the team a chance to evaluate his progress without treating Sunday’s game as a deadline for his return.
Mariota Gave Washington the Win It Needed
Mariota completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards against one of the league’s toughest defenses. He opened Washington’s scoring with a touchdown pass to running back Rachaad White, later found Treylon Burks in the end zone, and connected with Terry McLaurin for a 30-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
The passing total was modest, but Mariota made several plays when Washington needed them. McLaurin finished with six catches for 77 yards after a quiet start to the season. Stefon Diggs added four catches for 33 yards, and Mariota kept the ball moving to different targets instead of relying on one receiver to carry the offense.
His final run was as important as any throw. With Seattle having cut Washington’s lead to two points late in the fourth quarter, Mariota kept the ball on third-and-7 and gained nine yards. The first down allowed the Commanders to run out the clock and secure their first victory.
Washington also needed a major defensive contribution. The Seahawks gained more yards than the Commanders, but three turnovers changed the game. Rookie linebacker Sonny Styles came away with an interception, and Kain Medrano returned another interception 50 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Seattle answered with a late score, making Mariota’s closing first down essential.
That combination matters when assessing what Sunday proved. Mariota played efficiently and protected the football, while the defense created the chances Washington needed. The Commanders found a way to win together despite the injuries that have disrupted their start.
Daniels Will Practice in London, but His Status Remains Open
Daniels is expected to travel with the Commanders to London and participate in practice in some capacity this week, head coach Dan Quinn said Monday. The update is encouraging after Daniels dislocated his left elbow in the Week 2 loss to Dallas and missed Sunday’s game against Seattle.
This is the second time Daniels has dislocated that elbow. He also injured it against Seattle last season. Washington has described his current recovery as week-to-week and has not placed him on injured reserve. Practicing this week would be progress, but the team has not announced whether he will play against Indianapolis.
Mariota’s performance gives Washington some flexibility. Daniels is the starting quarterback when healthy, and his ability to create plays as both a passer and runner remains central to the offense. Sunday showed that Mariota can manage a game, involve Washington’s receivers, and deliver a win while Daniels continues to recover.
The Commanders can now use the London practices to see what Daniels can do before making a game-day decision. They have a capable option if he needs more time.
Injuries Will Shape the Colts Matchup
Washington left its first win with another significant loss. Linebacker Leo Chenal suffered a neck injury against Seattle and underwent season-ending surgery Monday. Quinn said the surgery went well, but Chenal’s absence adds pressure to a defense already dealing with injuries.
There could be help on the way. Linebacker Frankie Luvu and tight end Chig Okonkwo, who have missed time with injuries, are expected to travel and practice in London. Their availability for Sunday has yet to be determined.
The Commanders also brought back running back Austin Ekeler as they assess their backfield. White suffered a shoulder injury against Seattle, though he finished the game. Ekeler knows Washington from his previous two seasons with the team, but he is returning from an Achilles injury and will have to get up to speed with a new offensive system.
Sunday’s upset changed the mood around a team that began the year with two losses. It did not erase Washington’s injury concerns or the work ahead on defense, particularly after Seattle threw for 379 yards. The Commanders now have to carry their sharper execution and turnover production into the Colts game.
Whether Daniels plays in London or Mariota starts again, Washington has a clearer path forward than it did a week ago. Mariota showed the offense can function in Daniels’ absence. The next step is proving the Commanders can build on that win while giving their starting quarterback the time he needs.
