Instant analysis | Commanders cruise to 5-2 with 40-7 win vs. Panthers

It’s probably difficult for Washington Commanders fans to describe how they feel right now.

Washington, who returned to Northwest Stadium after suffering a Week 6 loss against the Baltimore Ravens to take on the Carolina Panthers and retire Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green’s jersey number, rolled the struggling NFC South opponent on both sides of the ball. They were up 34-0 six minutes into the third quarter, and the defense, which was tied for the fewest forced interceptions in the league, got two on the day, one of which was returned for a touchdown, as part of an overall smothering performance.

As exciting as it is for the Burgundy & Gold faithful, most of their attention was focused on quarterback Jayden Daniels, who left the 40-7 victory in the first quarter with a rib injury.

It is unclear on exactly which play Daniels sustained his injury, but it occurred on the opening drive for the Commanders’ offense. Daniels opened the day with a 46-yard run and got Washington down to the Panthers’ 5-yard line, but it was clear that he was experiencing some discomfort. The drive ended with a field goal, and Daniels went into the blue medical tent after talking to the medical staff.

Daniels tried warming up for the Commanders’ next offensive possession but was still experiencing some discomfort. He went to the locker room and was ruled out at the start of the second half. He returned to the sideline in street clothes and waved to the crowd, apparently in good spirits.

Coach Dan Quinn did not have an update on Daniels’ status after the game but did acknowledge the quarterback would go through more testing on Monday.