The Washington Commanders face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota set to start in place of the injured Jayden Daniels. Mariota takes the helm at Northwest Stadium in Landover as the Commanders try to avoid an 0-3 start, which historically dooms playoff hopes. The Seahawks enter the matchup undefeated at 2-0, fresh off a season where they won the Super Bowl.
Sam Darnold, the Seahawks’ starter, practiced Thursday and Friday and aimed to return after missing Week 2 due to an injury sustained in the opener against the Patriots. The timing of Darnold’s return complicates the Commanders’ plans, as they would have faced backup Drew Lock had the game occurred last week.
Washington’s defense has struggled, allowing 6.1 yards per offensive play—ranking sixth-worst in the NFL. The Commanders are one of only three teams yet to force a turnover this season and have conceded seven passing touchdowns in just two games. Their passing defense has been particularly vulnerable, a fact that will worry defensive coordinator Daronte Jones as he prepares to face Seattle’s wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Smith-Njigba leads the NFL with 277 receiving yards, 13 first downs, and four receiving touchdowns through two weeks. The Seahawks’ defense has conceded just 249 passing yards, the fewest in the league, and intercepted opposing quarterbacks four times, the only team to reach that figure so far. They have allowed an average of 3.8 yards per offensive play, ranking first in the NFL, and are tied for third-best with only 29 first downs permitted.
Meanwhile, Seattle’s defense has given up the second-lowest point total (17) and second-lowest yardage (428) across their first two games. This contrast with Washington’s defensive numbers presents a stark challenge for Mariota and the Commanders’ offense, which will have to find a way through one of the league’s stingiest defenses.
The Seahawks’ offense also showed early promise. A highlight came in Week 2 when Smith-Njigba scored an 82-yard touchdown, setting the tone for their dominant start. This explosive playmaking ability will test the Commanders’ backline, which has struggled to contain opposing receivers.
The Commanders currently sit at 0-2, facing mounting pressure to turn their season around. Since 1990, teams starting 0-3 have missed the playoffs in 97 percent of cases, underscoring the urgency of this matchup. Washington’s coordinators, Daronte Jones on defense and David Blough on offense, reportedly had a difficult week preparing for Seattle’s balanced and efficient squad.
Mariota’s opportunity to start comes under difficult circumstances, tasked with leading an offense against a defense that ranks near the top in almost every category. The Seahawks’ ability to limit first downs and force turnovers will be a significant test for the Commanders’ attack, which has yet to force turnovers itself.
The latest confirmed development is that Darnold was able to practice late in the week and is expected to return for Seattle, signaling the Seahawks will field their first-choice quarterback rather than a backup. This shift adds another layer of difficulty for Washington as they try to secure their first win of the season.
According to Yahoo Sports.
