Seahawks Crush Commanders 38-14 as Darnold Shined, Daniels Injured/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Sam Darnold delivered a near-flawless performance with four touchdown passes as the Seattle Seahawks rolled past the Washington Commanders 38-14. The win keeps Seattle tied atop the NFC West, while Washington lost quarterback Jayden Daniels to a significant arm injury. Rookie wideouts and explosive plays helped fuel the Seahawks’ dominance.
Darnold Delivers, Seahawks Cruise – Quick Looks
- Sam Darnold completes first 17 passes, throws 4 touchdowns
- Seahawks win 38-14 to stay tied for first in NFC West
- Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels exits with serious arm injury
- Darnold finishes 21 of 24 for 330 yards and 4 TDs
- Rookie Tory Horton catches two first-half touchdowns
- Cody White scores on a 60-yard catch-and-run
- Seahawks led 31-7 at halftime after offensive explosion
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba records 129 yards, ties franchise 100-yard mark
- Commanders drop fourth straight, fall to 3-6
- Washington also honored Hall of Famer Art Monk at halftime
Deep Look
Sam Darnold Shreds Commanders as Seahawks Roll 38-14; Daniels Leaves with Injury
LANDOVER, Md. — Quarterback Sam Darnold played with surgical precision on Sunday night, leading the Seattle Seahawks to a commanding 38-14 road victory over the Washington Commanders. In a game marked by Darnold’s early perfection and Jayden Daniels’ late-game injury, Seattle asserted itself as a true NFC contender while Washington continued to unravel.
Darnold was flawless to start, completing his first 17 passes and throwing four touchdown passes before recording a single incompletion. By halftime, he was 16-for-16 with 282 yards and four scores, lifting the Seahawks (6-2) to a 31-7 lead. His lone incompletion came early in the third quarter—after a teammate reminded him of his streak.
“Someone at halftime said I hadn’t thrown an incompletion,” Darnold joked. “I think he jinxed it.”
Even so, the veteran quarterback finished the night 21 of 24 for 330 yards and four touchdowns before being pulled with the game well in hand. According to Sportradar, Darnold became just the fourth quarterback since 1991 to throw four touchdowns before his first incompletion, joining Lamar Jackson (2019), Ryan Tannehill (2015), and Tom Brady (2007).
Commanders’ Night Marred by Daniels’ Injury
While Seattle celebrated, Washington (3-6) suffered another blow—both on the scoreboard and in their lineup. Second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels exited in the fourth quarter after suffering a frightening injury to his non-throwing arm during a goal-line tackle. The play left Daniels visibly in pain as his arm bent awkwardly beneath him.
“Just thinking about him and what he’s going through,” said Darnold. “I just wanted to say that.”
Daniels had been under pressure all night, scrambling for 51 rushing yards but managing just 153 passing yards with one interception. His injury marked the low point of an already demoralizing night for the Commanders, who’ve now lost four straight games.
Seahawks Offense Explodes Despite Injuries
The Seahawks were missing top receiver Cooper Kupp, but it hardly slowed them down. Darnold found open targets all over the field, especially in the first half. Rookie wide receiver Tory Horton caught two touchdown passes, including a 25-yard score that made it 14-0. Just 11 seconds later, Darnold hit tight end Elijah Arroyo for a 26-yard touchdown after Washington fumbled the ensuing kickoff.
Practice squad call-up Cody White added to the highlight reel with a 60-yard touchdown catch-and-run, blowing the game open at 28-0. By halftime, Darnold had orchestrated scoring drives on nearly every possession, capped off with a late field goal to make it 31-7.
Seattle added one more touchdown in the third quarter on a quarterback sneak by AJ Barner. The Seahawks’ efficient offense was paired with a physical defense that forced errors and stifled Washington’s playmakers.
Rising Stars Shine for Seattle
Jaxon Smith-Njigba led all receivers with eight catches for 129 yards, tying a franchise record with his sixth 100-yard receiving performance of the season. Horton’s breakout two-touchdown game adds to the growing list of young contributors stepping up for Seattle’s offense.
“This is the kind of performance you hope for,” said Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald. “Sam’s been consistent in practice, and it’s showing in games. He’s calm, smart, and in control.”
Monk Honored at Halftime
In a rare moment of celebration for Washington fans, the franchise retired Hall of Fame receiver Art Monk’s No. 81 jersey at halftime. Monk, who played for the team from 1980 to 1993, was once the NFL’s all-time receptions leader and helped Washington win three Super Bowls.
Injuries Compound Commanders’ Troubles
The Commanders were already without standout receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps), and they quickly lost rookie receiver Luke McCaffrey to a shoulder injury. The injury list continued to grow with cornerbacks Trey Amos (hip) and Marshon Lattimore (knee) exiting, along with safety Quan Martin (hamstring). Daniels’ injury was the most devastating, leaving the Commanders with more questions than answers heading into Week 10.
Seattle also endured a couple of injuries, with cornerback Josh Jobe (concussion) and linebacker Ernest Jones IV (knee) leaving the game.
Looking Ahead
- Seahawks: Return home to host the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday. Seattle edged Arizona 23-20 earlier this season.
- Commanders: Face a tough rematch against the Detroit Lions at home next Sunday, following their playoff win over Detroit last season.
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