The Washington Commanders returned to Northwest Stadium on Sunday for a rainy home opener against the reigning Super Bowl champions, Seattle Seahawks.
Despite entering week three shorthanded, Washington delivered a complete performance, defeating Seattle 33-31 to earn its first victory of the season, while handing the Seahawks their first loss.
“That’s gonna feel for a while, I think. It was unbelievable,” said Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota. “I’m thrilled. We have an unbelievable group of guys…The more that adversity hits, the more that the circumstances kind of pin us against the wall, these guys find a way. I’m grateful to be a part of it. I’m grateful to have the coaching staff that we have, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the year.”
Throughout the week, the Commanders emphasized a “next man up” mentality: the idea that players must be prepared to step into larger roles and make an impact when their number is called. That mindset was on full display on Sunday as Washington entered the matchup without several key starters, including quarterback Jayden Daniels, linebacker Frankie Luvu, guard Sam Cosmi and tight end Chig Okonkwo.
With several regular contributors sidelined, Washington turned to its depth, and the backups responded when their opportunities came.
“I think everybody prepares like they’re going to play,” said linebacker Kain Medrano. “And that’s the nice thing about this team. No matter what, you have 53 guys that can go out there and ball. You know, injuries happen. Obviously, we wish the best, but I just think that the team and the defense believing in me helped me just keep going.”
Mariota delivered a steady performance, completing 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns. Mariota connected with wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Treylon Burks, as well as running back Rachaad White, for touchdown scores.
The Commanders’ defense also provided a decisive moment late in the game when linebacker Medrano intercepted a pass and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown, putting the finishing touches on Washington’s 33-31 victory.
“[It’s]really just being in the right place at the right time,” Medrano said of the game technique. “We had a defense on, I’m just trying to find space to go get the quarterback in [and] just kind of happened to run right underneath the checkdown route… [to], honestly, score. That was what I was thinking: ‘close game, gotta have a way to get some momentum back.’ I think that’s what did it..”
The win moves Washington to a 1-2 record on the season and prevented the team from opening the year with a three-game losing streak.
Now, the Commanders turn their attention overseas, as Washington travels to London to face the Indianapolis Colts in week 4 on Sunday, Oct. 4 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET.
“I think I like the work that we’ve had,” said Commanders head coach Dan Quinn. “There’s so many things to clean up and build upon, and we certainly plan on doing that. Another home game, but home game that you have to fly seven hours away. We’re very excited to go play and compete again.”
