Marcus Mariota and Reconfigured Commanders Run Over Raiders, 41–24

The Associated Press

LANDOVER, Md. — With key starters out due to injury and others benched after a disappointing loss, the Washington Commanders leaned on a reshuffled offense and a deep rotation of contributors to overpower the Las Vegas Raiders 41–24 on Sunday. Quarterback Marcus Mariota, starting in place of the injured Jayden Daniels, guided Washington (2–1) to an explosive first half featuring 174 rushing yards—Washington’s highest first-half total on the ground since 2010. The team ultimately finished with 201 rushing yards and five total touchdowns from four different players. Mariota, making his first NFL start since 2022, completed 15 of 21 passes for 206 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown strike to rookie wideout Luke McCaffrey late in the fourth quarter. He also added 40 rushing yards and a 2-yard touchdown on the team’s opening drive. “I love this system,” Mariota said after the game, despite losing a fumble during a scramble that ended in a sideline collision leaving head coach Dan Quinn with a cut above his eye.

Washington's scoring attack was powered by a rotation of backs filling in for the injured Austin Ekeler. Jeremy McNichols had a breakout moment, ripping off a 60-yard touchdown run—his longest play in eight NFL seasons. Chris Rodriguez, inactive in Weeks 1 and 2, added 39 yards on 11 carries, while rookie Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt scored on a 1-yard run after a 56-yard completion from Mariota to Terry McLaurin. “We’ve got some boys in the backfield, man,” Rodriguez said. “And we can all do everything.” Washington's special teams also made headlines, as rookie Jaylin Lane returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown—the longest return by a Commander since 2016 and tied for the franchise record. On defense, the Commanders remained turnover-free on the season but recorded five sacks on Raiders quarterback Geno Smith. Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner notched two of them.

Smith passed for 289 yards and three touchdowns, all to second-year wideout Tre Tucker, who caught eight passes for 145 yards. No. 6 overall pick Ashton Jeanty, held to just five yards on his first five carries, finished with 63 yards on 17 attempts.

“We just didn’t tackle very well,” said Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. “We just didn’t do our job.” Las Vegas (1–2) entered the game on a short week, having played the previous Monday. Head coach Pete Carroll took full responsibility for the loss. “It was all three phases, so it’s me,” Carroll said. “I have to do a better job managing our return.” Injuries continued to mount for both teams. Washington lost McLaurin to a quadriceps injury in the second half, while four defensive backs missed time with various ailments. For the Raiders, tight end Michael Mayer exited in the first quarter with a concussion after leading with his helmet on a special teams tackle.

Washington, coming off a 27–18 loss to Green Bay, responded with urgency despite the roster shake-up. Guards Nick Allegretti and Brandon Coleman were benched in favor of Andrew Wylie and Chris Paul, while Trent Scott often lined up as a sixth offensive lineman.

“We don’t know who’s going to be the one to take that step and make the big play,” Coach Quinn said. “But it speaks to the team—when called upon, they delivered.”