Washington Commanders defeat Seattle Seahawks 33-31 to end 12-game streak

Turnovers tilt the opening half

The Washington Commanders entered Sunday without seven starters, including quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was sidelined with a dislocated left elbow. Cornerback Amik Robertson forced a fumble on Seattle running back Jadarian Price on the Seahawks' opening drive, allowing defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw to recover the ball at the Seattle 21-yard line. Marcus Mariota converted the turnover into a 6-yard touchdown pass to Rachaad White four plays later to give Washington a 7-0 lead. Washington's defense held Seattle scoreless on its first three possessions while limiting the Seahawks to 20 yards. Seattle responded early in the second quarter when Sam Darnold connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a touchdown pass to tie the score.

Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald addressed the early ball-security problems after the loss.

As a team, if we turn the ball over, it's not good business.

Washington capitalizes on defensive takeaways

In the third quarter, rookie linebacker Sonny Styles caught a deflected pass to give Washington possession at Seattle's 43-yard line. The Commanders turned the short field into another touchdown drive to build a 24-10 advantage. Mariota, making his first start of the season, finished 19 of 31 for 183 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. The performance marked his first game with three touchdown passes since Week 8 of the 2022 season. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin led Washington with six receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown.

Fourth-quarter interception seals the result

Seattle trimmed the deficit late in the fourth quarter, but Darnold made a costly mistake with under four minutes remaining. Backup linebacker Kain Medrano intercepted Darnold's pass over the middle and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown with 3:57 remaining, giving Washington a 33-24 lead. The extra point failed following a sideline celebration penalty. Darnold responded by completing five straight passes, capped by a 7-yard touchdown to Cooper Kupp with 2:51 left to cut Washington's lead to 33-31. Washington iced the game on its final possession with a 19-yard third-down run by Rachaad White and a subsequent first-down scramble by Mariota.

Darnold evaluated his late interception during his postgame comments.

Bad decision. The end did a good job of not letting me escape to the outside. Had to make a quick decision, and should have dirted it at his feet.

Streak ends as Commanders look to London

The loss halted Seattle's 12-game winning streak, which began on November 16 of the previous season. Seattle gained 437 total yards and held a 28-17 advantage in first downs, but lost the turnover battle 3-0. Darnold finished 31 of 45 for 379 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions in his return from a glute injury, while Smith-Njigba caught 10 passes for 128 yards and two scores. Washington improved to 1-2 on the season, while Seattle dropped to 2-1. Head coach Dan Quinn reflected on the emotional swing as Washington prepares to face the Indianapolis Colts in London.

I don't know if I can quantify it. But I do know, coming into this, that we were going to be really tested. The 0-3 test and the 1-2 test, both don't sound great on paper. But they feel a lot different.