Commanders key numbers, Week 7: No Jayden Daniels, no problem vs. Panthers

If I was to tell you the Washington Commanders won 40-7, you would expect Jayden Daniels to have a monumental stat sheet. That wasn't the case, as the rookie quarterback left the game with a rib injury after one possession.

As fans collectively held their breath watching Daniels exit, the sight of the young quarterback slamming his helmet in frustration on the sidelines was a troubling sign for the rest of the contest. And possibly the season.

After Marcus Mariota entered and the team quickly went three-and-out, looking completely overwhelmed, it just further added salt to the wound. Was this promising start to the season all for nothing?

But Mariota and Kliff Kingsbury quickly answered the call. On the Commanders' next possession, the offensive coordinator went run-heavy, calling four runs to one pass play. This led to a touchdown by Brian Robinson Jr.

Mariota started to settle in, and the Commanders would go on to score on every drive for the remainder of the game before running out the clock on their final possession. That's how you adapt to changing situations.

As Mariota put on a show and Daniels returned to the sideline beaming a smile, the fanbase could rest a little easier. The Commanders improved to 5-2 on the season, surpassing their win total from Ron Rivera's final campaign with minimal fuss.

Let's get into the key numbers from the Commanders' thrashing of the Carolina Panthers on a day when the team retired Darrell Green's jersey.

Commanders' key numbers from Week 7 win over Panthers

12: After starting 0-for-3, Mariota only had two incompletions the rest of the game, and had a run of 12 straight completions. The veteran quarterback finished the game with a 132.8 passer rating, 205 passing yards, and two touchdowns, while adding 34 yards on the ground.

Mariota did his best Daniels' impression, getting some key first downs with his legs. He also used his mobility to extend plays and find receivers downfield.

49: Outside of the opening series and the Panthers' touchdown drive with the team already down 37-0, the Commanders' defense only allowed 49 total yards on seven possessions - not including the one-play kneel-down right before the half. Carolina's 180 total yards was the lowest since their Week 2 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers, and the lowest since having Andy Dalton take over at quarterback.

1: With the Panthers easily moving down the field and about to enter the red zone on their first drive, Dante Fowler Jr. got his first career interception, returning it 67 yards for a touchdown. The edge rusher added a key tackle for loss on a fourth-down and another sack, continuing his strong start to the season.

19: Washington has started the season 3-0 at home for the first time since 2005, 19 years ago. The team finished 10-6 that year, clinching a wildcard berth on the now historic touchdown return by Sean Taylor.

5.9: The Commanders missed Robinson at the Baltimore Ravens. The running back returned and finished with a touchdown for his fourth-straight game. His six rushing scores so far this season are the most by a Washington running back since Clinton Portis in 2008. He finished the game with 71 rushing yards and 5.9 yards per carry.

66: The Commanders' offense continues to be one of the NFL's best. The team currently has a total point differential of +66 this season, which tops the league.

5: Terry McLaurin had his second straight game with six receptions, with five of his catches going for first downs. The Pro Bowler finished with 98 yards receiving and a 100 percent catch percentage, bringing in passes every time he was targeted.

With many former players returning for alumni weekend, it's clear that this franchise is in a new era. The changes that Josh Harris, Adam Peters, and Dan Quinn have implemented are working and the team finally has a sustainable culture for long-term success.

If Daniels has to miss next week, it will take away some of the anticipation from the match-up versus Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears. But Mariota has shown he can be a viable step-in, at least temporarily, for Washington.

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