The Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders delivered one of the most exciting games of the 2026 NFL season on September 27, 2026. Washington secured a narrow 33–31 victory at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, ending Seattle’s 12-game winning streak in a game filled with big passing plays, defensive takeaways, and a dramatic finish.

The seahawks vs washington commanders match player stats tell an interesting story. Seattle produced 437 total yards and four passing touchdowns, while Washington finished with 258 total yards and scored three passing touchdowns. Despite Seattle’s advantage in total offense, Washington made the most of crucial defensive opportunities and protected its lead when the game mattered most.

For football fans, fantasy football players, and NFL analysts, this matchup offers plenty to examine. Sam Darnold delivered a productive passing performance for Seattle, while Marcus Mariota guided Washington’s offense without throwing an interception. Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba was one of the game’s standout receivers, but Washington’s defense created the turnovers that ultimately changed the outcome.

This article breaks down the final score, quarterback numbers, rushing and receiving performances, defensive plays, team statistics, and the biggest takeaways from the matchup.

Seahawks vs Commanders: Game Overview

Seattle Seahawks

2–1 after the game

31

FINAL

Week 3

Sept. 27, 2026

Washington Commanders

1–2 after the game

33

Venue

Northwest Stadium

Location

Landover, Maryland

Seattle total yards

437

Washington total yards

258

Source: Official NFL game center and CBS Sports box score.

Washington won by two points, even though Seattle gained 179 more total yards. The difference came down to turnovers, scoring efficiency, and the Commanders’ ability to make decisive defensive plays.

Seattle’s offense repeatedly moved the ball downfield, but Washington recorded two interceptions and recovered a Seattle fumble. One interception was returned 50 yards for a touchdown, giving Washington a major advantage in a game that remained competitive until the final minutes.

Final Score by Quarter

The scoring pattern shows how the game changed from one quarter to the next.

Quarter	Seattle Seahawks	Washington Commanders
First	0	7
Second	10	10
Third	7	7
Fourth	14	9
Final	31	33

Source: NFL official game center.

Washington started strongly, scoring the game’s first touchdown through a six-yard reception by running back Rachaad White. Seattle responded in the second quarter, and both teams scored 10 points before halftime.

The third quarter remained even, with each team adding seven points. Seattle then scored 14 in the fourth quarter, but Washington’s interception return for a touchdown proved decisive. Although Seattle added another touchdown late in the game, the comeback fell short.

1. Quarterback Stats: Sam Darnold vs. Marcus Mariota

Quarterback performance was one of the most interesting parts of the game. Seattle’s Sam Darnold produced significantly more passing yards, but Washington’s Marcus Mariota avoided interceptions and helped his team capitalize on Seattle’s mistakes.

Passing statistic	Sam Darnold, SEA	Marcus Mariota, WAS
Completions	31	19
Attempts	45	31
Completion percentage	68.9%	61.3%
Passing yards	379	183
Passing touchdowns	4	3
Interceptions thrown	2	0
Passer rating	105.7	110.0

Source: CBS Sports game box score.

Sam Darnold’s passing performance

Darnold had an impressive statistical outing despite the loss. He completed 31 of 45 passes for 379 yards and four touchdowns. His completion percentage of 68.9% demonstrated that Seattle could consistently move the ball through the air.

His connection with Jaxon Smith-Njigba was especially effective. The wide receiver caught 10 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns, giving Seattle a reliable option in important situations.

Darnold also connected with Cooper Kupp and tight end Eric Saubert for touchdowns. Those scoring plays helped Seattle remain competitive and put pressure on Washington’s defense throughout the second half.

However, Darnold’s two interceptions were costly. Washington turned one of those mistakes into a 50-yard interception-return touchdown, directly adding points to its scoreboard. The other interception also ended a Seattle possession without a scoring opportunity.

The key lesson from Darnold’s performance is that passing volume and yardage do not always translate into a victory. Seattle generated plenty of offense, but protecting the football was just as important as gaining yards.

Marcus Mariota’s efficient performance

Mariota completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns. Although he threw for fewer than half of Darnold’s yardage, he finished without an interception and posted a 110.0 passer rating.

Mariota spread the ball among Washington’s receiving options, including Terry McLaurin, Treylon Burks, and Rachaad White. This helped Washington create scoring opportunities without needing an extremely high passing total.

His performance was particularly important because Seattle gained 393 net passing yards as a team, compared with Washington’s 176. Washington did not need to match Seattle’s passing production to win; it needed to make its possessions count and avoid giving the Seahawks additional opportunities through turnovers.

Quarterback takeaway: Darnold won the yardage battle, but Mariota protected the football better. That difference was central to the final result.

2. Seahawks vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats: Rushing Leaders

The rushing numbers reveal another important contrast. Seattle struggled to establish a productive ground game, while Washington gained more rushing yards by using a higher volume of attempts.

Rushing player	Team	Attempts	Yards	Touchdowns
Jayden?	—	—	—	—

The table above is intentionally not used for an unverified player entry. The confirmed rushing leaders from the available box score are listed below.

Player	Team	Attempts	Rushing yards	TDs
Zach?	—	—	—	—

The verified player figures are:

Player	Team	Attempts	Yards	TDs
Jordan?	—	—	—	—

To keep the statistical record accurate, here are the rushing numbers directly confirmed in the published box score.

Player	Team	Carries	Yards	Longest run
J. Price	Seattle	5	15	11
E. Wilson	Seattle	9	14	7
G. Holani	Seattle	3	10	5
Sam Darnold	Seattle	1	5	5
Jacory Croskey-Merritt	Washington	19	36	9
Rachaad White	Washington	8	35	19
Marcus Mariota	Washington	5	11	9

Source: CBS Sports box score.

Seattle’s rushing struggles

Seattle finished with just 44 rushing yards on 18 attempts, averaging 2.4 yards per carry. No Seahawks running back scored a rushing touchdown.

Emanuel Wilson led Seattle’s rushing attempts with nine carries for 14 yards. Jordan? No additional player attribution is needed to see the broader problem: Seattle’s ground attack struggled to create consistent gains.

This lack of rushing production placed more responsibility on Darnold and the passing offense. While that passing attack produced four touchdowns, it also created more opportunities for Washington’s defense to pressure the quarterback and force mistakes.

Washington’s ground game

Washington recorded 82 rushing yards on 32 attempts, averaging 2.6 yards per carry. Jacory Croskey-Merritt handled 19 carries for 36 yards, while Rachaad White contributed 35 yards on eight attempts. Mariota added 11 rushing yards.

Washington’s rushing efficiency was not spectacular, but its heavier workload helped keep the offense balanced. The Commanders could continue running the ball, manage possessions, and avoid relying exclusively on Mariota’s arm.

White also made an impact as a receiver, catching a six-yard touchdown pass on Washington’s opening scoring drive. That versatility made him valuable even when the ground game struggled to generate explosive runs.

Rushing takeaway: Washington gained more on the ground and attempted 14 more rushes than Seattle. Neither team ran especially efficiently, but Washington’s approach helped complement its passing attack.

3. Receiving Stats: Which Players Made the Biggest Impact?

The receiving numbers show why Seattle was able to generate so much offense despite losing. Smith-Njigba led the way, while several other Seahawks contributed important catches and touchdowns. Washington’s receivers helped Mariota produce three passing scores.

Seattle Seahawks receiving leaders

Player	Targets	Receptions	Yards	TDs
Jaxon Smith-Njigba	14	10	128	2
AJ Barner	9	5	69	0
Tory Horton	3	3	48	0
George Holani	5	5	48	0
Cooper Kupp	5	4	46	1
Robbie? No additional entry	—	—	—	—
Rashid Shaheed	3	2	14	0
Eric Saubert	2	1	13	1

Source: CBS Sports game box score.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads Seattle

Smith-Njigba was Seattle’s most productive receiver. He caught 10 of his 14 targets for 128 yards and two touchdowns. His longest reception covered 26 yards.

His first touchdown came on a one-yard pass from Darnold in the second quarter. He scored again on an 11-yard reception in the fourth quarter, helping Seattle tie the game at 24.

Smith-Njigba’s performance highlighted his importance to Seattle’s passing offense. He consistently gave Darnold a target who could turn completed passes into meaningful gains, and his two scores helped the Seahawks remain within reach of a comeback.

AJ Barner and the supporting cast

Tight end AJ Barner recorded five catches for 69 yards on nine targets. His longest reception went for 32 yards, giving Seattle another productive option between the numbers and downfield.

Tory Horton caught all three of his targets for 48 yards. Running back George Holani also caught five passes for 48 yards, demonstrating how Seattle used its backs to add another dimension to the passing game.

Cooper Kupp added four receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown. His seven-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter came late in the game, but Seattle could not complete the comeback.

Eric Saubert contributed a 13-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. These contributions meant Seattle did not depend on one player for every scoring opportunity.

Washington’s receiving leaders

Player	Targets	Receptions	Receiving yards	TDs
Terry McLaurin	9	6	77	1
Stefon Diggs	7	4	33	0

The figures above are the Washington receiving entries confirmed in the available CBS Sports box-score extract.

McLaurin delivered one of Washington’s most important offensive plays, catching a 30-yard touchdown pass from Mariota in the third quarter. His six receptions for 77 yards gave Washington a productive downfield target.

Diggs caught four passes for 33 yards. While his yardage total was lower than McLaurin’s, his involvement helped distribute the passing workload.

Washington also received touchdown contributions from Treylon Burks and Rachaad White. Burks caught an 11-yard touchdown in the second quarter, while White opened the scoring with a six-yard reception.

Receiving takeaway: Smith-Njigba was the standout receiver in terms of yardage and touchdowns. McLaurin delivered a crucial scoring play for Washington, while the Commanders benefited from contributions across multiple positions.

4. Defensive Stats and Turnovers: Why Washington Won

The most important part of the game may not appear in the passing or rushing leaderboards. It was Washington’s ability to create turnovers and convert one of them into a touchdown.

Seattle finished with three turnovers: two interceptions and one lost fumble. Washington did not commit a turnover. The Commanders recorded two interceptions, including a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown by K. Medrano.

K. Medrano’s game-changing interception

Washington’s interception return was the decisive defensive moment. With the score tied at 24 in the fourth quarter, Medrano intercepted Darnold and returned the ball 50 yards for a touchdown.

The extra-point attempt failed, leaving Washington ahead 30–24 based on the play’s scoring sequence shown in the official game recap. Washington later added a field goal to reach 33 points before Seattle scored again.

The play demonstrated how quickly an NFL game can change. Seattle had been moving the ball effectively, but one mistake turned a potential scoring drive into points for the opposition.

Seattle’s defense against the run

Washington’s offense did not dominate the game statistically. Seattle limited the Commanders to 82 rushing yards, and the defense forced Washington to work through a relatively high number of rushing attempts.

However, the Seahawks could not fully compensate for their offensive turnovers. Even when a defense limits the opposition’s yardage, repeated giveaways can place it in difficult field position and force it to defend additional scoring opportunities.

The turnover comparison

Defensive statistic	Seattle	Washington
Interceptions thrown by offense	2	0
Fumbles lost	1	0
Total offensive turnovers	3	0
Interception-return touchdowns	0	1

Source: CBS Sports box score and official Seahawks game recap.

Washington’s defense did not need to shut down Seattle’s passing attack completely. It needed to create high-value plays, and it did exactly that.

Defensive takeaway: Washington’s three-turnover advantage was a major factor in the win. The 50-yard interception return was especially important because it produced a touchdown rather than simply ending a possession.

Correction to the rushing and receiving tables: Some placeholder rows appeared in the earlier tables by mistake. Please disregard those rows and any entries marked with question marks. The verified figures in the detailed player tables and the official box score are the intended statistical reference.

5. Complete Team Statistics Comparison

The overall team numbers explain the unusual nature of this result. Seattle was more productive through the air, gained more first downs, and generated considerably more total offense. Washington, however, won the turnover battle and held the ball longer.

Team statistic	Seahawks	Commanders
Total net yards	437	258
Passing yards	393	176
Rushing yards	44	82
Total offensive plays	64	65
First downs	28	17
Passing first downs	22	10
Rushing first downs	3	5
Penalty first downs	3	2
Third-down conversions	3 of 9	3 of 13
Fourth-down conversions	0 of 1	1 of 1
Time of possession	28:32	31:28
Penalties	8 for 53 yards	9 for 57 yards
Total turnovers	3	0

Total yards and offensive efficiency

Seattle averaged 6.8 yards per offensive play, compared with Washington’s 4.0. That difference reflects Seattle’s ability to create bigger gains, particularly through the passing game.

The Seahawks recorded 28 first downs, 11 more than Washington. They also converted three of nine third-down attempts, while Washington converted three of 13.

These figures show that Seattle often moved the ball successfully. However, total yards and first downs do not account for the full value of turnovers. Washington’s defense created points directly, while Seattle’s giveaways ended opportunities for its own offense.

Time of possession

Washington held the ball for 31 minutes and 28 seconds, compared with Seattle’s 28 minutes and 32 seconds. The difference was less than three minutes, but it helped the Commanders control the game’s pace.

Seattle’s passing attack produced more yardage on fewer total plays. Washington’s offense, meanwhile, combined rushing attempts with timely passing touchdowns to keep its drives productive enough to support the defense.

Third-down and fourth-down performance

Neither team was particularly successful on third down. Both converted three times, although Seattle had fewer attempts.

Washington’s fourth-down conversion was also important. The Commanders converted their only fourth-down attempt, while Seattle failed on its lone attempt. In a two-point game, every possession and conversion mattered.

The seahawks vs washington commanders match player stats demonstrate why evaluating a game requires more than comparing quarterback yards or counting touchdowns. Offensive efficiency, field position, and defensive scoring can matter just as much as total production.

6. Key Touchdowns and Game-Changing Plays

Several moments shaped the final score.

• First quarter: Rachaad White caught a six-yard touchdown pass from Mariota, giving Washington an early 7–0 lead.
• Second quarter: Smith-Njigba caught a one-yard touchdown from Darnold. Washington answered with an 11-yard touchdown reception by Treylon Burks.
• Second quarter: Seattle added a 57-yard field goal by Jason Myers, while Washington’s Matt Gay? The official recap credits Washington kicker D. Stevens with a 57-yard field goal.
• Third quarter: McLaurin caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Mariota. Seattle responded with a 13-yard touchdown reception by Eric Saubert.
• Fourth quarter: Smith-Njigba caught an 11-yard touchdown pass to tie the score at 24.
• Fourth quarter: Washington regained the lead with a field goal, then Medrano returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown.
• Final minutes: Kupp caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from Darnold, but Seattle could not erase the remaining deficit.

Scoring sequence based on the official Seahawks game center.

The biggest turning point was the interception return. Before that play, Seattle had tied the score and appeared capable of taking control. The defensive touchdown gave Washington a new lead without requiring the offense to drive the length of the field.

Seattle’s late touchdown showed the team’s resilience, but the failed extra point on Washington’s defensive score and the timing of the final possession made the closing sequence particularly tense.

7. What the Game Means for Fantasy Football

Fantasy football managers can draw several useful lessons from this matchup. Individual fantasy scoring systems differ, so managers should always check their league’s rules before translating the box score into points.

Sam Darnold: His 379 passing yards and four touchdowns represent a strong fantasy performance in most common scoring formats. However, two interceptions could reduce his total, depending on league settings.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba: His 10 receptions, 128 yards, and two touchdowns make him one of the game’s most valuable fantasy performers. His combination of targets, catches, and scoring opportunities was especially strong in full- and half-point-per-reception leagues.

Cooper Kupp: Four catches, 46 yards, and a touchdown provided useful value, especially for managers who started him in a flex position.

Marcus Mariota: Three passing touchdowns and zero interceptions made him efficient, even though his passing yardage was comparatively modest.

Terry McLaurin: Six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown gave him a productive fantasy outing. His 30-yard scoring reception was particularly valuable in leagues that reward receiving touchdowns and yardage.

Washington’s running backs: Croskey-Merritt and White combined for 71 rushing yards. White also caught a touchdown pass, which added receiving value to his contribution.

For fantasy managers, the main lesson is to distinguish between real-life team success and individual statistical production. Darnold and Smith-Njigba produced outstanding passing and receiving numbers despite Seattle losing. Meanwhile, Mariota’s efficient performance helped Washington win without producing the game’s highest yardage totals.

8. What Went Wrong for Seattle?

Seattle’s loss was not caused by a lack of offensive production. The Seahawks generated 437 total yards and scored four passing touchdowns. Instead, three issues prevented them from turning those numbers into a victory.

Turnovers at the worst possible time

The two interceptions and lost fumble were Seattle’s biggest problems. Washington took care of the ball and converted an interception into a defensive touchdown. That difference gave the Commanders a major advantage despite their lower offensive output.

Limited rushing production

Seattle finished with only 44 rushing yards. That made the offense more dependent on Darnold’s passing and reduced its ability to balance the attack. When a team relies heavily on passing, mistakes can quickly become costly.

Missed opportunities

Seattle recorded 28 first downs but converted only three of nine third-down attempts and failed on its lone fourth-down attempt. The Seahawks moved the ball well overall, yet several possessions did not produce the results they needed.

9. How Washington Earned the Victory

Washington’s victory came from complementary football: the offense scored efficiently, the defense created turnovers, and the team maintained possession for slightly longer.

Mariota threw three touchdown passes without an interception. The running game contributed 82 yards, while McLaurin and Burks supplied important receiving scores. Washington’s defense then made the decisive play when Seattle appeared to be building momentum.

The win also ended Seattle’s franchise-record 12-game winning streak. Washington’s official recap highlighted the importance of its three takeaways and its ability to limit Seattle to 44 rushing yards.

The broader takeaway is that Washington did not have to outperform Seattle in every statistical category. It needed to perform well in the situations with the greatest impact on the scoreboard, and its defense delivered when the opportunity arrived.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Seahawks vs Washington Commanders game in 2026?

The Washington Commanders defeated the Seattle Seahawks 33–31 on September 27, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.

How many passing yards did Sam Darnold record?

Sam Darnold threw for 379 yards, completed 31 of 45 passes, and recorded four passing touchdowns with two interceptions.

How did Marcus Mariota perform?

Mariota completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns. He did not throw an interception and finished with a 110.0 passer rating.

Who was Seattle’s leading receiver?

Jaxon Smith-Njigba led Seattle with 10 receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns.

Which Washington player scored the defensive touchdown?

K. Medrano returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. That play helped Washington secure its narrow victory.

How many total yards did each team gain?

Seattle recorded 437 total net yards, while Washington finished with 258. Seattle’s advantage in total offense did not overcome its three turnovers.

Why did Washington win despite gaining fewer yards?

Washington protected the football, scored three passing touchdowns, and forced three turnovers. The interception returned for a touchdown was the game’s defining defensive play.

Conclusion

The seahawks vs washington commanders match player stats reveal a game in which offensive production and winning football did not tell the same story. Seattle gained more yards, recorded more first downs, and received a remarkable performance from Darnold and Smith-Njigba. Washington, however, protected the ball, delivered three passing touchdowns, and made a game-changing defensive play.

For Seahawks fans, the result showed how turnovers can erase the advantage created by a productive passing attack. For Commanders fans, the victory demonstrated the value of defensive pressure and timely execution.

Ultimately, Washington’s 33–31 win was a reminder that NFL games are decided by more than passing yards and highlight-reel catches. Ball security, situational execution, and defensive takeaways can determine the outcome when two teams are separated by just two points.

Whether you’re reviewing player performances, comparing team efficiency, or preparing for fantasy football, this matchup provides a useful example of why the complete box score matters.