LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Marcus Mariota’s primary concern when he entered the game was the health of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who had just been sidelined with a rib injury. After that, he focused on playing football, a game he’s been playing his entire life.
Following Daniels’ exit, the Washington Commanders dominated the Carolina Panthers 40-7, with Mariota throwing two touchdown passes and Dante Fowler intercepting Andy Dalton for a 67-yard pick-six.
“You think about the injured player first, then you just go out and try to execute,” said Mariota, who completed 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards, including touchdown throws to tight ends Zach Ertz and Ben Sinnott.
Daniels’ injury cast a shadow over the win, as the No. 2 overall pick and Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite left with a rib issue. Although Daniels’ mother reassured fans on social media that he was “fine,” head coach Dan Quinn offered no update, saying Daniels would undergo more tests on Monday.
Despite losing Daniels early, the Commanders (5-2) controlled the game, with Daniels managing a 46-yard run and a couple of completions on their first drive before Fowler’s pick-six gave them an early lead. Dalton threw another interception, this time to Emmanuel Forbes, who was back in the lineup after being benched the previous week.
Fowler, after catching his first NFL interception, saw the open field and thought, “It’s time to score a touchdown.”
“It felt like a dream,” Fowler said.
Washington’s defense was stellar, holding the Panthers to 180 yards, stopping seven of 10 third-down attempts, and sacking Dalton twice.
With Mariota at the helm, the Commanders amassed 421 total yards against the Panthers (1-6), who have allowed the most points through six games of any team in the Super Bowl era.
“Turnovers and failing to get off the field were the story,” said Carolina head coach Dave Canales, who confirmed Dalton would remain the starter next week over No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young.
Washington’s Brian Robinson Jr. also scored a rushing touchdown in his return from a knee injury, which had sidelined him for the previous week’s loss to Baltimore. The 27-point halftime lead was the Commanders’ largest since leading Dallas 28-0 on December 18, 2005.
Carolina’s struggles continued, with Dalton completing 11 of 16 passes for 93 yards. Young, who came in during garbage time with 4:55 remaining, completed two passes for negative yardage.
“It got away from us fast,” Dalton said. “We need to take a hard look at ourselves and figure out why these games keep turning out this way.”
Chuba Hubbard was held to 52 yards on 17 carries after averaging over 100 yards per game in the past four weeks. He did manage to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter, long after the outcome was decided, with many fans having already left to avoid traffic.
“At the end of the day, we won convincingly, and our defense was outstanding,” said Terry McLaurin, Washington’s top receiver, who had six catches for 98 yards.
**Injuries:**
– Panthers: RB Raheem Blackshear exited with a shoulder injury on a kickoff return in the third quarter. TE Tommy Tremble (back) was inactive.
– Commanders: Besides Daniels, rookie LT Brandon Coleman suffered a concussion in the first half.
**Up next:**
– Panthers: Visit Denver next Sunday.
