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Carolina Panthers vs. Washington Commanders game recap: Everything we know

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Fans cheer after the Washington Commanders run an interception back for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Fans cheer after the Washington Commanders run an interception back for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

All you need to know about this game is that Washington Commanders had starting quarterback Jayden Daniels for just one series this afternoon . . . and still beat the Carolina Panthers by 33 points.

But if you really want to know a bit more, let's go over this embarrassing Week 7 loss . . .

Final score: Commanders 40, Panthers 7

Greg Fiume/Getty Images
Greg Fiume/Getty Images

Keys to the game

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Marcus Mariota #18 of the Washington Commanders looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Marcus Mariota #18 of the Washington Commanders looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
  • Carolina's defense couldn't stop anything, almost literally. Washington scored on seven of their nine possessions, totaling 424 yards.

  • The Commanders were, remarkably enough, led by backup quarterback Marcus Mariota—who replaced an injured Daniels in the first quarter. Mariota connected on 18 of his 23 throws for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

  • Washington also did work on the ground, running for 214 yards and a score on 37 carries.

It was over when . . .

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Dante Fowler Jr. #6 of the Washington Commanders runs to score a pick six against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Dante Fowler Jr. #6 of the Washington Commanders runs to score a pick six against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

The Panthers were actually off to a promising start, needing just seven plays to move 61 yards on the very first possession of the game. But Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton, on an attempted screen pass to running back Miles Sanders on a third-and-9, almost handed the ball over to linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. on an awful interception.

Fowler Jr., who took the pick back for a 67-yard touchdown, and the Commanders never looked back after taking a quick 7-0 lead at the 11:14 mark of the first quarter.

Players of the game

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Washington Commanders tackles Chuba Hubbard #30 of the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Washington Commanders tackles Chuba Hubbard #30 of the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
  • TE Ja'Tavion Sanders: six receptions, 61 yards

  • RB Chuba Hubbard: 17 carries, 52 yards, touchdown

  • P Johnny Hekker: five punts, 252 yards, two punts inside the 20-yard line

What's next?

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Head coach Dave Canales of the Carolina Panthers looks on prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Head coach Dave Canales of the Carolina Panthers looks on prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

The Panthers (1-6) will head out west to face the Denver Broncos (4-3) in Week 8.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Carolina Panthers vs. Washington Commanders game recap: Everything we know