Despite losing their franchise quarterback to a rib injury early, the Washington Commanders handled their business like a true contender Sunday with a convincing 40-7 win over the Carolina Panthers. Washington moves to 3-0 at home and 5-2 on the year, their best start since 2018, with a HUGE showdown coming up next weekend with Chicago. Here are my six observations from the win.
🚨🚨 The @Commanders are now 5-2 after winning in convincing fashion over Carolina 40-7 🚨🚨
•Defense held CAR to under 200 yards of offense 📈
•Marcus Mariota solid in relief of JD5📈
•B-Rob set the tone offensively in his return 📈@mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/h76cY7xuGw
— Lynnell Willingham (@Nell_BTP) October 21, 2024
Nell’s Super Six Pack
Good teams don’t mess around with bad teams
Washington dominated the Panthers from the opening snap, outgaining the Panthers 421 to 180. The talk all week was about this being a trap game because of Carolina’s 1-5 record. The Commanders clearly didn’t get the memo, as they took a sledgehammer to the Panthers. Washington’s 27-point halftime lead is the largest lead at half since Dec. 18, 2005 vs. Dallas when the team held a 28-0 halftime lead. The Commanders have outscored their last two opponents 74-20 at home. This group means business and is ready for Chicago next week.
The return of Brian Robinson
Last weekend. the Commanders battled tooth and nail with arguably the best team in the AFC in the Baltimore Ravens, but something was missing. While Jayden Daniels has been electric through six weeks, the 2nd most important piece of this offense is the battering ram that sets the tone for this group, Brian Robinson. Robinson was in vintage form in his return to play, rushing for 71 yards on 12 carries in his return. He added a touchdown as well. The physicality he brings to this offense is unmatched. There was a trickle down effect to his return, the team rushed for 214 yards on 37 attempts marking the return of exotic smashmouth football.
Defense brought their best on Darrell Green day
The Commanders defense has been under the microscope all season long, and rightfully so. This group has been wildly inconsistent with the opponent dictating their performance level. Today, this group pitched their best performance of the season, holding the Panthers to 180 yards of total offense. Pass rush was impactful, the tackling was violent AND this group forced multiple turnovers. A complete effort for a group that is improving week in and week out. One thing that I pondered all week? After being inactive last week, would Emmanuel Forbes get an opportunity to build some confidence against a bad Panthers team? Not only did he get an OPPORTUNITY to build confidence, he CAPITALIZED. Emmanuel Forbes picked off his first pass of the season Sunday and the play was a backbreaker for Carolina and truly shifted the momentum of the game.
Jayden Daniels should be put in bubble wrap
Despite the convincing win for Washington, most of the first half was spent with anxiety as everyone across the DMV held their breath waiting to hear the status of franchise QB Jayden Daniels. Daniels exited the game in the first quarter after ripping off a 46-yard run, but clearly he was not right. The most satisfying part of the afternoon was seeing Daniels exit from the locker room in street clothes, but with a million dollar smile on his face. Backup Marcus Mariota was excellent in relief and looked much improved from the summer. I would not play Jayden vs Chicago if there is any doubt about how he is feeling. We now have to wait and see for the official diagnosis, but the arrow is pointing up.
Darrell Green Weekend was a SLAM DUNK
October 20, 2024 was going to be a special day no matter what the result was on the field. It was a day to honor one of the best players in franchise history. Number 28 on the field and number 1 in your hearts. On and off the field, Green was a true gift to the DMV area and it was long overdue for him to be honored. Major props to the Josh Harris ownership group for properly honoring one of the legends of the franchise in a ceremony that will be remembered for a long time. This group’s ability to get the legends of the franchise together should be applauded.
Game Balls
Brian Robinson, Emmanuel Forbes, Terry McLaurin, Dante Fowler, Marcus Mariota and Frankie Luvu.
