Seahawks Soar Past Commanders 38-14 Behind Darnold's Four Touchdowns

The Seattle Seahawks (5-2) traveled to Washington looking to extend their winning streak against a struggling Commanders team (3-5) desperately needing a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive. What followed was a masterclass performance by quarterback Sam Darnold and the Seattle offense, completely overwhelming Washington in a dominant 38-14 victory.

First Quarter: Seattle Strikes First

The game started with both teams feeling each other out. Washington's Jayden Daniels showed his dual-threat ability early, scrambling for first downs and finding veteran tight end Zach Ertz twice for key completions. However, the Commanders' drive stalled, and they were forced to punt.

Seattle answered immediately with their balanced attack. Running back Kenneth Walker III powered through Washington's defense, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his breakout season with multiple catches. The drive culminated when Sam Darnold found receiver Tory Horton for a 4-yard touchdown pass, capping off a methodical 90-yard drive. The Seahawks led 7-0 after the first quarter.

Second Quarter: The Floodgates Open

The second quarter belonged entirely to Seattle's high-powered offense. After Washington managed to move the ball into Seattle territory, Daniels made a costly mistake, throwing an interception that was picked off by a Seahawks defender at their own 40-yard line.

Seattle capitalized immediately. Darnold connected with Smith-Njigba for multiple completions before finding Horton again, this time for a spectacular 25-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-0. But the Seahawks weren't done yet.

A Washington fumble on the ensuing kickoff gave Seattle the ball at the Commanders' 26-yard line. On the very next play, Darnold launched a perfect 26-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo, extending the lead to 21-0.

Washington finally responded when Daniels punched in a 1-yard rushing touchdown, but Seattle answered right back with a jaw-dropping 60-yard touchdown bomb to receiver White. The Seahawks led 28-7 at halftime, with Darnold already throwing four touchdown passes.

Second Half: Seahawks Control the Game

The third quarter saw Seattle continue their dominance. After another Washington turnover, the Seahawks methodically drove down the field. Running back AJ Barner scored on a direct snap from the 1-yard line, pushing the lead to 35-7.

Washington showed some fight in the fourth quarter, with backup running back Rodriguez punching in a 4-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 35-14. However, Seattle added a field goal to seal the victory at 38-14.

Stars of the Game

Sam Darnold was absolutely brilliant, completing 21 of 24 passes for 330 yards and four touchdowns with just one interception. His performance showcased why Seattle's offense has been so effective under coordinator Klint Kubiak's system.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his breakout campaign with 8 receptions for 129 yards, proving he's become Darnold's favorite target. The young receiver has seamlessly filled the void left by departed stars and established himself as a reliable weapon.

For Washington, Daniels completed 16 of 22 passes for 153 yards and added 51 rushing yards with one touchdown, but the four sacks and one interception highlighted the struggles of his sophomore season.

Looking Ahead

This victory improves Seattle to 6-2 and extends their winning streak to three games, firmly establishing them as a legitimate playoff contender in the competitive NFC. Their balanced offense and improving defense under head coach Mike McDonald continue to exceed expectations.

Washington falls to 3-6 and now faces a four-game losing streak that puts their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy. The Commanders must find answers quickly to salvage their season and help Daniels rediscover his rookie-year magic.

Both teams will look to build on this game as they prepare for their next opponents in what promises to be an exciting continuation of the NFL season.