After a disappointing loss in Week 2 to the Green Bay Packers, the Washington Commanders looked to right the ship on Sunday at home against the Las Vegas Raiders.
They've been forced into a less-than-ideal situation injury-wise, with star quarterback Jayden Daniels out due to a knee sprain and Marcus Mariota starting under center. Additionally, tight end John Bates, wide receiver Noah Brown, running back Austin Ekeler, and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. are all out, the latter two for the season.
One of those absences sure didn't seem to phase the Commanders during the first half.
Commanders' ground attack was dominant despite Austin Ekeler's absence
The Commanders wasted no time on Sunday establishing the run, scoring a touchdown on the ground with a Mariota keeper on their first drive. On the possession, Washington ran five plays for 27 yards, all runs.
The offense kept humming from there, mainly by way of the ground game, though a Mariota fumble and a Matt Gay missed field goal kept the Raiders in the game with the score tied at 10 late in the second quarter. Then, Jeremy McNichols decided to put the team on his back with a 60-yard scamper to the end zone through contact.
CAN'T STOP @JeremyMcNichols!!!
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 21, 2025
📺 #LVvsWAS FOX pic.twitter.com/oVL6AKg0Y7
The Commanders have run for 171 yards in the first half.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) September 21, 2025
Jeremy McNichols just popped a 60-yard TD run on his first carry. Physical play. Broke two tackles.
WSH's three RBs have 10 carries for 115 yards and a TD.
McNichols, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. all made significant gains at various points during the first half. The seventh-round rookie went for 22 yards on three carries, and the 2023 sixth-round pick saw six carries for 33 yards. It's been a balanced attack for the Commanders, and everybody is contributing.
But it's McNichols, along with wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., whose role is the most crucial in Ekeler's absence. He's Washington's best pass-catching back, and his experience brings a steady veteran presence to the running back room. It's shown up in a big way and put the minds of every fan at ease.