After an 0-2 start, the Washington Commanders needed a spark. They found it against the defending Super Bowl champions, forcing turnovers, capitalizing on Seattle's mistakes and pulling off a 33-31 statement win in their home opener.
The Washington Commanders stunned the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in their home opener on Sunday.
After starting the season 0-2 with two divisional losses, Washington desperately needed something to turn its season around. The Commanders got exactly that Sunday. The defense forced multiple turnovers, while Marcus Mariota and the offense capitalized on those opportunities to keep pace with Seattle.
It started with two players who changed the game for Washington's defense: rookie linebacker Sonny Styles and veteran cornerback Amik Robertson.
Styles finished with an interception, two pass breakups and five total tackles. One of his biggest plays came when he broke up a pass intended for Seahawks running back Jadarian Price, preventing a potential big gain for Seattle late in the second quarter.
Robertson was a lockdown machine. He recorded four pass breakups in the first half alone and played physically throughout the game. He consistently looked to punch the football out, and eventually forced a fumble.
While Styles and Robertson stood out, Washington's defensive front also made its presence felt.
That became especially important late in the fourth quarter. Defensive end Odafe Oweh pressured quarterback Sam Darnold and forced him to get rid of the football quickly. Second-year linebacker Kain Medrano was there to capitalize, intercepting Darnold and taking it back for a pick-six.
Washington's defense created the opportunities, but the offense made sure they didn't go to waste.
After Price fumbled in the first quarter, Mariota and the offense turned the takeaway into a touchdown. Then, following Darnold's first interception early in the third quarter, Washington found the end zone again.
Both drives ended with Mariota touchdown passes, one to running back Rachaad White and the other to wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
McLaurin also delivered the bounce-back performance Washington had been waiting for. After recording just four receptions for 64 yards through the first two games, he finished Sunday with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Ultimately, the difference was Washington's ability to capitalize on Seattle's mistakes.
Darnold threw four touchdown passes and kept Seattle's offense moving, but his two interceptions proved costly. Washington didn't just force turnovers; it turned them into points, something the Commanders needed against an offense capable of scoring quickly.
There are still things Washington needs to clean up. Giving up four passing touchdowns and finding itself in a battle late in the fourth quarter showed that this team still has plenty of work ahead.
But after an 0-2 start, the Commanders needed more than just another competitive performance. They needed a win, and got one against the defending Super Bowl champions.
It's only three weeks into the season, but Sunday's win sent an important message: Washington's season isn't over.
It may have just begun.
