The Washington Commanders powered their way to a decisive 42-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Behind a balanced attack and standout performances from running back Brian Robinson and quarterback J.D. Daniels, the Commanders took control early and never looked back, improving to 4-0 on the season.
First Quarter: Early Back-and-Forth Action
The Cardinals opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kyler Murray to wide receiver Marvin Harrison, capping off a 9-play, 55-yard drive to give Arizona a 7-0 lead. The Commanders answered quickly as Robinson bulldozed into the end zone on a 6-yard run, tying the game at 7-7 midway through the first quarter.
The Commanders’ defense began to assert itself after that, forcing the Cardinals to punt, setting up a 13-play, 93-yard drive capped off by a 27-yard touchdown run from Jalen McNichols. Washington ended the first half with a 17-7 lead after a 45-yard field goal by kicker Austin Seibert as time expired.
Second Quarter: Commanders Extend Their Lead
In the second quarter, Daniels took matters into his own hands, scampering for a 9-yard rushing touchdown early in the third quarter, extending the lead to 24-7. Seibert added a 38-yard field goal to make it 27-7. The Cardinals’ offense, unable to generate momentum, found themselves constantly stymied by the Commanders’ relentless pass rush, led by linebacker Fred Luvu and defensive end Daron Payne.
The Cardinals finally broke through late in the third quarter, as running back James Conner punched it in from 6 yards out to cut the deficit to 27-14. However, it was the closest they would get for the rest of the game.
Fourth Quarter: Commanders Seal the Game
Washington’s offense remained unstoppable. Daniels found star wide receiver Terry McLaurin for a 10-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter, further extending their lead. A successful two-point conversion pass to tight end Zach Ertz gave Washington a commanding 35-14 lead.
Late in the fourth, McNichols added his second rushing touchdown of the game, this time from 7 yards out, putting the game away with a 42-14 advantage. The Commanders’ defense closed out the game by forcing turnovers and holding the Cardinals scoreless in the final quarter.
Key Takeaways:
- Brian Robinson’s Breakout Game: Robinson was the engine of the Commanders’ offense, rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. His physicality and consistent production wore down the Cardinals’ defense.
- J.D. Daniels’ Dual Threat: Daniels showcased his versatility with both his arm and legs, passing for 233 yards and a touchdown while adding another on the ground.
- Washington’s Defensive Dominance: The Commanders’ defense, led by Luvu and Payne, registered four sacks and held the Cardinals to just 296 total yards. Their relentless pressure forced Kyler Murray to make quick decisions, limiting Arizona’s ability to stretch the field.
Conclusion:
With this commanding victory, Washington stays undefeated and asserts itself as a serious contender in the NFC. Meanwhile, Arizona falls to 1-3, with much work ahead to rebound from this one-sided loss. The Commanders will look to maintain their momentum as they head into the heart of their season.
