The Washington Commanders delivered a statement performance at Northwest Stadium, dismantling the Carolina Panthers 40-7 in a game that was as lopsided as the final score suggests. Despite losing offensive rookie sensation Jayden Daniels to a rib injury early in the first quarter, the Commanders didn’t blink. Behind a stellar relief appearance from Marcus Mariota and a defense that completely stifled Andy Dalton, Washington moved to 5-2, marking their best start in years. The carolina panthers vs washington commanders match player stats tell the story of a franchise on the rise against an opponent struggling to find its footing.
Quick Game Facts
- Final Score: Washington Commanders 40, Carolina Panthers 7
- Date & Location: October 20, 2024 | Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD
- Weather: 75°F, Sunny, Wind 3 mph
- Attendance: 63,380
- Time of Possession: Commanders (35:05) | Panthers (24:55)
The Stakes and the Narrative
For Washington, this game was about maintaining their lead in the NFC East and honoring franchise legend Darrell Green, whose jersey was retired during the festivities. For Carolina, it was an attempt to spark a season that had already seen a quarterback change from Bryce Young to Andy Dalton.
The Turning Point: The game felt over almost before it began. On the Panthers’ opening drive, linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. intercepted an Andy Dalton pass and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown. This play not only set the tone for a defensive slaughter but also gave Washington a cushion that allowed them to navigate the temporary loss of their starting quarterback with poise.
The Statistical Core
Top Performers Side-by-Side
| Category | Carolina Panthers | Washington Commanders |
| Top Passer | Andy Dalton (93 Yds) | Marcus Mariota (205 Yds, 2 TD) |
| Top Rusher | Chuba Hubbard (52 Yds, 1 TD) | Brian Robinson Jr. (71 Yds, 1 TD) |
| Top Receiver | Ja’Tavion Sanders (61 Yds) | Terry McLaurin (98 Yds) |
| Top Tackler | Xavier Woods (8) | Mike Sainristil (7) |
Team Efficiency Table
| Metric | Panthers | Commanders |
| First Downs | 10 | 26 |
| Total Yards (Pass/Rush) | 180 (85/95) | 421 (207/214) |
| 3rd Down Conv % | 3/10 (30%) | 5/10 (50%) |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 1/1 | 3/5 |
| Penalties (Yards) | 6 (59) | 8 (55) |
| Turnovers Forced | 0 | 2 |
The Quarterback Masterclass
Jayden Daniels: The Short-Lived Spark
Before exiting with a rib injury, Daniels showed exactly why he’s a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. His very first snap was a breathtaking 46-yard scramble that ignited the crowd. Though his carolina panthers vs washington commanders match player stats only reflect two passes, his gravity on the field set up Washington’s early field goal before he was forced to the sideline.
Marcus Mariota: The Ultimate Professional
Mariota entered the game and looked like a starter, not a backup. He managed the game with veteran precision, finishing with a 132.8 passer rating. He was particularly effective in the “two-minute” drill before halftime, leading a 92-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown to Zach Ertz, effectively ending any hopes of a Carolina comeback.
QB Comparative Stats
| Player | Cmp/Att | Yards | TD/INT | Sacks | Rating | Rush Yds |
| Jayden Daniels | 2/2 | 6 | 0/0 | 0 | 79.2 | 50 |
| Marcus Mariota | 18/23 | 205 | 2/0 | 1 | 132.8 | 34 |
| Andy Dalton | 11/16 | 93 | 0/2 | 2 | 44.0 | 3 |
Positional Deep Dives
The Ground War
Washington’s offensive line bullied the Panthers’ front all afternoon. The carolina panthers vs washington commanders match player stats show a staggering 214 rushing yards for Washington, with Brian Robinson Jr. finding the end zone for the fourth consecutive game.
| Player | Carries | Yards | Avg | TD | Long |
| Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS) | 12 | 71 | 5.9 | 1 | 11 |
| Chuba Hubbard (CAR) | 17 | 52 | 3.1 | 1 | 9 |
| Jeremy McNichols (WAS) | 7 | 42 | 6.0 | 0 | 10 |
The Aerial Attack
Terry McLaurin fell just short of a 100-yard day but was the engine of the passing game, catching nearly everything thrown his way. For the Panthers, rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders was the lone bright spot, providing Dalton with a reliable intermediate target.
| Player | Targets | Rec | Yards | TD | YPR |
| Terry McLaurin (WAS) | 6 | 6 | 98 | 0 | 16.3 |
| Ja’Tavion Sanders (CAR) | 6 | 6 | 61 | 0 | 10.2 |
| Zach Ertz (WAS) | 5 | 4 | 40 | 1 | 10.0 |
Advanced Metrics & “The Why”
The Commanders dominated the EPA (Expected Points Added) battle, particularly on defense. By forcing two interceptions in the first quarter—the first time the franchise has done so since 2021—they forced Carolina into a “one-dimensional” game script. The Panthers ran only 43 offensive plays compared to Washington’s 63, a direct result of Washington’s +10:10 time of possession advantage.
Read More Guide: Philadelphia Eagles vs Baltimore Ravens Match Player Stats
The Verdict
This game was a masterclass in complementary football. Washington’s defense provided the scores and stops, while the offense, led by Mariota, sustained drives and drained the clock. For the Panthers, the carolina panthers vs washington commanders match player stats highlight a team in desperate need of a spark on both sides of the ball. For the Commanders, it’s a sign that the “culture change” under Dan Quinn is ahead of schedule.
FAQ Section
Who won the Panthers vs Commanders match?
The Washington Commanders won the game 40-7.
What was the turning point of the game?
The turning point was Dante Fowler Jr.’s 67-yard interception return for a touchdown on the Panthers’ opening drive, which gave Washington an immediate 7-0 lead.
How many yards did Jayden Daniels have?
Jayden Daniels had 6 passing yards and 50 rushing yards on 3 carries before leaving the game in the first quarter with a rib injury.
