The Washington Commanders put on a show at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, on Oct. 20, demolishing the Carolina Panthers 40-7.
After this home game, Washington (5-2) is heading into this week at No.1 in the NFC East division, while Carolina (1-6) stands as the last team in the NFC South division.
Although a victory has been set in stone and historical moments were presented, Washington experienced an unexpected turn of events. Here are five highlights from the Commanders’ win:
- Quarterback Jayden Daniels Suffers Rib Injury in the First Quarter
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led Washington to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, before walking to the bench holding his left side. Daniels was initially declared as questionable for return, but was ruled out by the second half for a rib injury.
He came back out to the Commanders sideline dressed in street clothes to encourage his teammates and to show fans that he would eventually recover. With Washington heading into the second half with 27-0, there was no need for Daniels to go back on the field.
Despite Daniels’ reassurance, Commanders fans were worried. The idea of their rookie quarterback suffering with any type of injury didn’t sit well, especially with the team’s performance history in the past decade.
Head coach Dan Quinn had no updates after the game.
Fox NFL insider Jordan Shultz had the latest on Daniels after the game, indicating that the quarterback would be undergoing tests on Monday, Oct. 21 to determine the “severity” of his rib injury. Sunday’s screenings showed no fractures, however, Quinn has declared that Daniels will be considered “week-to-week” with his rib injury.
- Washington’s Defense Strangles Carolina
The Commanders defense balled out Sunday, strangling the Panthers on almost every play throughout the game. The defense commanded the field, bringing the win in full swing.
Defensive linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. had an exceptional game, leading the defense against the Panthers.
Fowler started strong with an interception in the first quarter, when Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton had already completed two of three passes and was intending to go three-for-three with running back Miles Sanders. However, Dalton’s pass went straight to Fowler. He ran 67 yards to score the first touchdown for the Commanders.
Although this was a huge play, Fowler continued to show up big throughout the day. He acquired a sack, two tackles, a quarterback hit, and a pass breakup. Fowler also put the Commanders in position to score a 49-yard field goal by tackling Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard for a two-yard loss on fourth-and-one.
Plus, Fowler wasn’t the only defensive player making big plays.
Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. showed up big, surprising fans with the Commanders’ second interception of the game.
Linebacker Frankie Luvu also came into the defensive fold with a 4-yard sack ending Carolina’s drive.
- The Washington Commanders Retired The Jersey Of Celebrated Cornerback Darrell Green
This past weekend was full of celebrations for former Washington cornerback Darrell Green.
First, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser honored Green with the “Key to the City” on Saturday, Oct. 19.
“Darrell Green truly embodies the spirit of the city of Washington, DC, and I am proud to present him with the Key to the City,” said Bowser. “As a two-time Super Bowl champion who spent his entire career here and continues to support our youth through the Green Family Foundation, he is a star on and off the field.”
The fun, family-friendly event, held at Franklin Park in downtown D.C., included entertainment from Antonio the Cuban Cigar Smoker, the Excel Academy Dance Team and Drum Line and the celebrated go-go group Backyard Band, in a true celebration of Green and District culture.
D.C. native Kenneth Branch attended the event wearing Green’s Washington jersey. He reflected on the cornerback’s long and storied legacy with the franchise.
“He was an asset to the team,” Branch said. “When he was younger he was a punt returner. He brought back a lot of balls for us, but he overall was a 100% player to me and Washington, D.C.”
After the public commemoration and festivities on Saturday, the Commanders continued celebrations honoring the legendary cornerback at Northwest Stadium the following day. The Commanders retired the number 28 jersey in honor of Green’s contributions to not only the Washington organization, but the DMV community as whole.
The Hall of Fame cornerback was drafted in the first round as the 28th pick by Washington in 1983. Green earned several professional honors and is a two-time Super Bowl champion (XXII and XXVI). The athlete’s other accolades include winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of The Year Award in 1996 as well as the Bart Starr Award in 1997.
Green is the fifth player in Washington’s franchise history to have his jersey retired. He holds the NFL record for most consecutive seasons (19) with an interception, having the most games played by any defensive player (295).
“It has been an incredible week. My heart rate has never gone up like it is right now. The energy that I feel, the nervousness that I feel, I haven’t felt that,” Green explained. “This is my home, this is my family, you all are my family, and I thank you all for being here today.”
- Marcus Mariota Steps Up to the Plate Bringing Offense in Full Stride
Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota stepped up to the plate in the second quarter in place of Daniels. Mariota managed to bring Washington’s offense in full stride for a win.
He ended the day with a 78% pass completion and a 138.2 passer rating.
Mariota led the stride to seal the first half with a 92-yard drive. He also completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to Tight End Zach Ertz that put Washington in a 27-0 lead at the end of the first half.
- The Commanders’ Legacy of Hope Continues to Grow
The Commanders’ legacy continues not only with events such as retiring Green’s jersey, but continuing to grow and evolve the franchise.
In addition to Green, former quarterback Doug Williams, wide receivers Gary Clark and Art Monk, and many others, attended Sunday’s game, highlighting how far Washington’s franchise has really come.
Before kickoff, Green shared his own message to the new generation of Washington fans.
“You did not get to drink the good wine and I wanna say to you, ‘I’m sorry,’” Green continued as fans laughed. “But I wanna challenge all of you to become those die-hards that ride with us. And we’re coming back. This is your generation. Let’s get together and let’s be fans, supporters, and family of the new generation of The Washington Commanders.”
The Washington Commanders will be back home on Sunday Oct. 27 at Northwest Stadium to face off against The Chicago Bears at 4:25 p.m.