Washington crushed Carolina 40 to 7 at Northwest Stadium on October 20, 2024. Marcus Mariota threw for 205 yards and two touchdowns after Jayden Daniels left with a rib injury. Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for 71 yards and scored his sixth touchdown of the season. Dante Fowler Jr. intercepted Andy Dalton on the opening drive and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown. McLaurin led receivers with six catches for 98 yards. Dalton finished with just 93 passing yards and two interceptions before Bryce Young entered for garbage time.
Table of Contents
Complete Game Statistics
| Category | Panthers | Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 7 | 40 |
| Total Yards | 180 | 421 |
| First Downs | 10 | 26 |
| Passing Yards | 89 | 211 |
| Rushing Yards | 95 | 214 |
| Time of Possession | 24:55 | 35:05 |
| Third Down Conversions | 3/10 (30%) | 5/10 (50%) |
| Turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Penalties | 6 for 59 yards | 8 for 55 yards |
Washington gained 241 more yards than Carolina while holding possession for over 10 additional minutes. The Commanders forced two turnovers and committed none. Pro Football Reference’s official NFL statistical database shows Washington averaged 6.7 yards per play compared to Carolina’s 4.2. Player-by-player performance data shows Washington’s dominance across every position group.
Quarterback Statistics
Carolina Passing
| Quarterback | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT | Sacks | Rating | QBR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andy Dalton | 11/16 | 93 | 0 | 2 | 2 for 4 yards | 44.0 | 3.7 |
| Bryce Young | 2/2 | -4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 79.2 | 75.9 |
| Team Total | 13/18 | 89 | 0 | 2 | 2 for 4 yards | 43.3 | – |
Washington Passing
| Quarterback | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT | Sacks | Rating | QBR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Mariota | 18/23 | 205 | 2 | 0 | 1 for 4 yards | 132.8 | 63.8 |
| Jayden Daniels | 2/2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 79.2 | 72.3 |
| Team Total | 20/25 | 211 | 2 | 0 | 1 for 4 yards | 128.5 | – |
Dalton’s afternoon collapsed three minutes into the game. He attempted a screen pass to Miles Sanders on third and nine, but Fowler read the play at the snap. The linebacker jumped the route at the line of scrimmage, caught the ball at the 33, and raced untouched down the left sideline. His second interception late in the first quarter sailed directly to Emmanuel Forbes at the Washington 45.
“It got out of our hands quick,” Dalton said postgame. “We have to look ourselves in the mirror and say, why do these games keep going like this?”
Young entered during the fourth quarter and completed both passes for negative yardage. His two completions lost four yards total.
Mariota completed 78.3 percent of his attempts while spreading the ball to seven different receivers. His 11 designed runs for 34 yards kept Carolina’s depleted defense from bringing aggressive pressure on obvious passing downs. Pro Football Focus graded Mariota over 85.0 with two big time throws and zero turnover worthy plays. The Commanders’ offensive performance produced seven scoring drives.
Before halftime, Washington took over at its own 8 yard line with 2:22 remaining and the score 20 to 0. Mariota completed five of six passes for 82 yards, mixing quick throws underneath with shots downfield to McLaurin. The drive covered 92 yards and ended with a 12 yard touchdown to Zach Ertz with 10 seconds left.
“You know what, I’m really proud of Marcus,” head coach Dan Quinn said postgame. “So, if your moment gets called, then you’re ready to deliver for the team and I think that’s a really powerful thing.”
Mariota’s 132.8 passer rating dwarfed Dalton’s 44.0, an 88.8 point gap that created an insurmountable advantage Washington exploited.
Rushing Statistics
Carolina Ground Game
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuba Hubbard | 17 | 52 | 3.1 | 1 | 9 |
| Miles Sanders | 3 | 34 | 11.3 | 0 | 26 |
| Xavier Legette | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 0 | 6 |
| Andy Dalton | 2 | 3 | 1.5 | 0 | 4 |
| Team Total | 23 | 95 | 4.1 | 1 | 26 |
Washington Ground Game
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Robinson Jr. | 12 | 71 | 5.9 | 1 | 11 |
| Marcus Mariota | 11 | 34 | 3.1 | 0 | 11 |
| Jeremy McNichols | 7 | 42 | 6.0 | 0 | 10 |
| Jayden Daniels | 3 | 50 | 16.7 | 0 | 46 |
| Austin Ekeler | 4 | 17 | 4.3 | 0 | 6 |
| Team Total | 37 | 214 | 5.8 | 1 | 46 |
Hubbard entered this matchup averaging over 100 rushing yards per game across his previous four contests but managed just 52 yards on 17 attempts. Washington’s front seven, led by penetrating tackles Daron Payne and Jer’Zhan Newton, collapsed that production. Linebackers Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner filled gaps quickly, eliminating cutback lanes and forcing Hubbard into contact at the line. His longest gain of nine yards came on a stretch play to the right side in the fourth quarter, well after the game was decided.
Sanders broke off a 26 yard burst on a draw play up the middle in the first quarter for Carolina’s only explosive rushing play. Beyond that single carry, the Panthers managed just 69 yards on 22 attempts.
After missing the previous week with a knee injury, Robinson returned attacking gaps with violence. His eight yard touchdown run in the second quarter came as he pressed the hole and powered through tackles for the score. That score marked his sixth of the season, already surpassing his entire 2023 total with 10 games remaining.
Daniels opened Washington’s first offensive possession with a 46 yard scramble down the right sideline, the longest run by a Washington quarterback in 12 years. The zone read caught Carolina’s linebackers flowing hard to the running back. Daniels pulled the ball and accelerated into open space, making two defenders miss with subtle footwork before getting pushed out at the Carolina 30.
Washington controlled possession and wore down Carolina’s depleted front seven through a 119 yard rushing advantage on sustained drives.
Receiving Statistics
Carolina Receivers
| Player | Position | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD | Long | Targets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ja’Tavion Sanders | TE | 6 | 61 | 10.2 | 0 | 29 | 6 |
| Diontae Johnson | WR | 1 | 17 | 17.0 | 0 | 17 | 3 |
| Jalen Coker | WR | 1 | 10 | 10.0 | 0 | 10 | 1 |
| Ian Thomas | TE | 2 | 4 | 2.0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Xavier Legette | WR | 2 | 3 | 1.5 | 0 | 6 | 3 |
| Miles Sanders | RB | 1 | -6 | -6.0 | 0 | -6 | 2 |
Washington Receivers
| Player | Position | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD | Long | Targets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terry McLaurin | WR | 6 | 98 | 16.3 | 0 | 25 | 6 |
| Zach Ertz | TE | 4 | 40 | 10.0 | 1 | 15 | 5 |
| Olamide Zaccheaus | WR | 4 | 25 | 6.3 | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| Dyami Brown | WR | 1 | 23 | 23.0 | 0 | 23 | 3 |
| Noah Brown | WR | 1 | 16 | 16.0 | 0 | 16 | 1 |
| Ben Sinnott | TE | 2 | 6 | 3.0 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Austin Ekeler | RB | 2 | 3 | 1.5 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
Rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders became Dalton’s primary target by necessity. He caught all six targets while working against single coverage in the middle of the field. His 29 yard reception came on a seam route during Carolina’s lone touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. Washington’s secondary allowed him to work underneath while cornerbacks Mike Sainristil and Noah Igbinoghene took away the boundary receivers with bracket coverage.
Johnson drew heavy attention from Washington’s secondary, limiting his individual production to one catch on three targets. He hauled in eight passes for 122 yards and a touchdown in Carolina’s Week 3 victory over Las Vegas, but Washington’s defensive game plan centered on eliminating him from the passing attack.
McLaurin won his routes consistently throughout the game. His six receptions exploited separation downfield. He finished two yards shy of his second 100 yard performance this season. Mariota targeted him on crucial third downs, completing all six attempts in his direction for a perfect passer rating of 118.7 when throwing to McLaurin.
Ertz and rookie Ben Sinnott both scored touchdowns, becoming the first Washington tight end duo to reach the end zone in the same game since Week 10 of 2013. Sinnott’s three yard touchdown reception in the third quarter was his first NFL score.
Washington completed 80 percent of passes (20 of 25) compared to Carolina’s 72 percent (13 of 18), reflecting superior pass protection and receiver separation.
Defensive Statistics
Carolina Defense
| Player | Position | Tackles | Solo | Sacks | TFL | PD | QB Hits | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chau Smith-Wade | CB | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Xavier Woods | S | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Trevin Wallace | LB | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nick Scott | S | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chandler Wooten | LB | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jaycee Horn | CB | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Charles Harris | DE | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Washington Defense
| Player | Position | Tackles | Solo | Sacks | TFL | PD | QB Hits | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Sainristil | CB | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Noah Igbinoghene | CB | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bobby Wagner | LB | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jeremy Chinn | S | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Frankie Luvu | LB | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Dante Fowler Jr. | LB | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Smith-Wade led Carolina with eight tackles while cleaning up Washington’s underneath passing attack. Woods and Wallace each recorded seven stops, tracking Washington’s balanced offense downfield. Harris had Carolina’s only sack, a four yard loss on Mariota in the second quarter.
Carolina entered this game without six of their seven projected starting front seven. Defensive ends Derrick Brown and A’Shawn Robinson remained on season ending injured reserve. Outside linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum sat out with shorter term injuries. Inside linebackers Shaq Thompson (season ending IR) and Josey Jewell (injury) were also unavailable. Only nose tackle Shy Tuttle dressed from the intended starting group. The Panthers’ depleted roster simply couldn’t generate pressure or stop the run consistently.
Fowler delivered a historic performance with his 67 yard interception return for a touchdown on Carolina’s opening drive, becoming the first Washington player since Dan Wilkinson in 1999 to record an interception returned for a touchdown, a sack, and a tackle for loss in the same game. He added a sack on Dalton, stuffed Hubbard for a two yard loss on fourth down, defended a pass, and recorded a quarterback hit. His first career interception came at the perfect moment, deflating Carolina’s opening drive after they had moved efficiently into Washington territory.
“Man, that was so cool,” Fowler said about his touchdown return. “That was my first interception. Just be able to return it for a touchdown, man, that was like I was in a dream.”
Luvu sacked Dalton for his fourth takedown this season on third and five in the second quarter at 14:19, wrapping up the quarterback for a four yard loss. Sainristil tied for the team lead with seven tackles while breaking up a pass intended for Johnson and recording a tackle for loss on a Hubbard run in the third quarter.
Washington’s two takeaways created game-changing momentum, with Fowler’s pick six producing seven points while Forbes’ interception gave Washington possession deep in Carolina territory.
Special Teams Performance
Kicking Performance
| Team | Kicker | FG Made/Att | Longest | XP Made/Att | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina | Eddy Piñeiro | 0/0 | 0 | 1/1 | 1 |
| Washington | Austin Seibert | 4/4 | 49 | 4/4 | 16 |
Punting and Returns
| Team | Punter | Punts | Yards | Average | Long | Inside 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina | Johnny Hekker | 5 | 252 | 50.4 | 62 | 2 |
| Washington | Tress Way | 1 | 40 | 40.0 | 40 | 1 |
Seibert connected on field goals from 49, 31, 29, and 23 yards while converting all four extra points. His 16 points brought his season total to 76 through just six games, breaking Mark Moseley’s franchise record for most points by a Washington kicker through Week 7. Three of his four field goals came from 31 yards or beyond, including the 49 yarder at 5:39 remaining in the second quarter. Washington’s offensive efficiency meant Way punted just once all afternoon.
Three Key Sequences
Fowler’s Opening Drive Interception Return (First Quarter, 11:14)
Carolina faced third and nine from the Washington 25 after moving the ball efficiently on their opening possession. Dalton saw Miles Sanders releasing into the flat for a screen pass and fired the ball. Fowler recognized the play design immediately, stepped in front of Sanders at the line of scrimmage, and caught the ball cleanly at the 33 yard line. He made Dalton miss with a subtle stutter step and accelerated down the left sideline untouched for a 67 yard touchdown. Seven to nothing just three minutes into the game.
Fourth Down Stop (Second Quarter, 7:34)
Carolina trailed 20 to 0 and faced fourth and one at their own 40 yard line with 7:34 remaining in the second quarter. Head coach Dave Canales decided to go for the first down rather than punt. Dalton handed the ball to Hubbard on an inside zone concept, but Fowler shot through the A gap untouched and wrapped him up for a two yard loss at the 38. Washington took over with excellent field position. Three plays later, Seibert kicked a 49 yard field goal to extend the lead to 23 to 0 at 5:39 in the second quarter.
Two Minute Drill Touchdown (Second Quarter, 2:22)
Washington led 20 to 0 and took possession at its own 8 yard line with 2:22 remaining before halftime. Mariota immediately attacked downfield. He completed a seven yard pass to Ertz, then found McLaurin for 18 yards on a crossing route. After a short run by Robinson, Mariota hit McLaurin again for 15 yards on a comeback route. With the ball at the Carolina 35, he launched a 23 yard pass to Dyami Brown down the left sideline. With 16 seconds remaining, Mariota rolled right on a bootleg and threw a 12 yard touchdown to Ertz at the back of the end zone. The 92 yard drive in just over two minutes made it 27 to 0 at halftime, Washington’s largest lead at the break since December 18, 2005.
Season Context and Records
Ben Sinnott caught his first NFL touchdown on a three yard pass from Mariota in the third quarter at 8:53. For detailed snap count data and advanced performance metrics from this matchup, comprehensive statistical tracking provides position by position analysis.
Robinson’s eight yard touchdown run in the second quarter marked his sixth of the season through seven weeks. He scored five total touchdowns during his entire rookie campaign last year.
Washington improved to 5 and 2 with their third consecutive home victory. The Commanders hadn’t started a season 5 and 2 since 2018. They moved to 3 and 1 against NFC opponents, their best conference start since 2018, positioning them as playoff contenders in a competitive conference race. The 27 point halftime lead equaled Washington’s largest cushion at intermission since they led Dallas 28 to 0 on December 18, 2005.
Carolina dropped to 1 and 6 after their second blowout loss in seven weeks. The 33 point margin tied as the eighth worst defeat in franchise history. They lost by 37 to New Orleans in the season opener. Pro Football Focus’s expert analysis graded Mariota over 85.0 with two big time throws and zero turnover worthy plays on his 23 attempts.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales acknowledged the defensive personnel issues postgame, noting that Carolina’s 43 offensive plays tied the second fewest in franchise history since 1995. Washington hosts Chicago next Sunday while Carolina travels to Denver. For comprehensive NFL game coverage and in depth statistical analysis, The Sportie provides breakdowns of every week’s action. This game demonstrated how turnover margin and time of possession create insurmountable advantages in offensive production and defensive performance data.
