What began as a test of resilience for the Washington Commanders ended in heartbreak on Sunday night. The Seattle Seahawks stormed into FedExField and dominated from start to finish, cruising to a 38–14 victory in a nationally televised game that left Washington searching for answers — and now, without its starting quarterback.
Seattle Strikes Early and Never Looks Back
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold delivered one of the sharpest performances of his career, completing 21 of 24 passes for 330 yards and four touchdowns. The veteran set the tone from the opening drive, orchestrating a flawless passing attack that left Washington’s secondary scrambling.
Darnold connected early and often with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who posted 129 yards on eight catches. Rookie wideout Tory Horton added two scores, while Cody White and Elijah Arroyo each found the end zone as Seattle’s offense showed no mercy.
By halftime, the Seahawks led 24–7, fueled by precision passing, creative play-calling, and a defense that kept Washington off balance.
Commanders Can’t Find Rhythm
The Commanders entered the game hoping to snap a three-game losing streak behind rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who returned from a minor hamstring injury. Daniels looked sharp early, leading a 75-yard touchdown drive capped by his own one-yard plunge in the second quarter.
But as the game wore on, Seattle’s pressure intensified. Washington’s offensive line struggled to protect Daniels, and the running game failed to gain traction. The Commanders managed just 290 total yards and turned the ball over twice — both mistakes leading to Seahawks touchdowns.
A Painful Ending for Daniels and Washington
The defining moment came late in the fourth quarter. Down by 24, Daniels dropped back near the goal line and was sacked by linebacker Drake Thomas. As he fell, his left arm twisted awkwardly beneath him. Trainers rushed onto the field, and Daniels eventually left the game with his arm in a sling.
Initial reports suggest a left arm fracture near the elbow, though the team has not confirmed the severity. Daniels was able to walk off under his own power, but the injury cast a shadow over an already frustrating night.
Backup Marcus Mariota entered in relief but was unable to spark a comeback, as Seattle’s defense tightened in the closing minutes.
Seahawks Making a Statement
With the win, the Seahawks improved to 6–2, remaining unbeaten on the road and emerging as one of the NFC’s most balanced teams. Darnold, who has revived his career in Seattle, credited his offensive line and receivers for the seamless execution.
“We came in with a plan to be aggressive,” Darnold said postgame. “Guys were locked in from the first snap, and that’s what you want in a tough environment.”
Seattle’s defense also deserves credit — forcing two turnovers, recording four sacks, and limiting Washington to just 14 first downs. Head coach Mike Macdonald praised the unit’s discipline and preparation.
“That’s the kind of complementary football we’ve been striving for,” Macdonald said. “We fed off each other — offense, defense, and special teams.”
Commanders Face a Crossroads
For Washington, the loss marks four straight defeats and a 3–6 record heading into the season’s midpoint. Head coach Dan Quinn faced criticism for leaving Daniels in the game late despite the lopsided score, especially given the injury risk.
“We were trying to build momentum and get reps,” Quinn said afterward. “It’s tough to see him go down like that. He’s the heart of this team.”
With Daniels’ status uncertain, the Commanders may be forced to turn to Mariota for the foreseeable future. The next few weeks will test not only their depth but also their resilience.
