Official game day participation report by the Washington Commanders or NFL

Commanders Crush Panthers 37-0; Mariota Stars as Jayden Daniels Exits Early with Rib Injury, Expected to Be Fine

Oct 20, 2024, 09:26 PM

The Washington Commanders secured a dominant victory over the Carolina Panthers, leading 27-0 at halftime and extending the lead to 37-0 in the second half. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels made an explosive start with a 46-yard run, including a stiff arm, on the first offensive play but left the game in the first quarter due to a rib injury after experiencing discomfort. He was visibly frustrated, slamming his helmet before heading to the locker room for X-rays. At the time of Daniels' departure, the Commanders led 10-0. His mother later provided an update stating "He's fine," indicating the injury was not serious. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota took over and delivered an impressive performance, completing 15 of 19 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns, and running five times for 29 yards. Mariota connected with tight end Zach Ertz for touchdowns and led the team on multiple scoring drives. The Commanders' defense also contributed with a pick-six by Emmanuel Forbes. The Panthers struggled throughout the game, unable to mount an effective offense against the Commanders' strong defense. With this victory, the Commanders showcased their depth and resilience, with Mariota stepping up significantly in Daniels' absence. The status of Jayden Daniels will be reevaluated on Monday, but early indications suggest no long-term injury.