Landover, MD. – The Washington Commanders host the Carolina Panthers in Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season in a clash between two franchises going in completely different directions.

After a loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6, the Commanders will look to grow from the experience and get back on the winning list for the fifth time this year while battling a Panthers team that is as banged up as can be with uncertainty regarding the future of their quarterback position.

After that score, the Commanders' defense forced a three-pointer, which led to a Panthers punt and quarterback Jayden Daniels on the game's first possession.

The drive got off to a great start as Daniels took advantage of a read option around the left side of the offensive formation, gaining a 46-yard gain to the Carolina 44-yard line. It's unclear whether it happened on that play — he ended up going down awkwardly — or not, but at some point during that tackle, Daniels injured a rib and left the field, making his way to the left side.

While Washington scored a field goal on its first drive, Daniels went to the locker room between the first and second possessions and was declared questionable to return due to the rib injury.

Marcus Mariota came in for Daniels and his first drive was a three-and-out that matched the energy of the crowd. However, the second drive went much better and included strong carries from running back Brian Robinson Jr. and a 29-yard pass interference call against the Panthers. The drive ended with an eight-yard touchdown run by Robinson and the lead grew to 17.

Despite the offensive struggles under Mariota, another Seibert field goal gave the Commanders a 20-point lead after Carolina went for a fourth-and-1 on its own end of the field.

Mariota's final drive of the half was his best drive of the game and was capped by a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz.

Stick with it CommanderGameday and the Focused on commander Podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders during the 2024 season.

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