Sam Darnold throws two TDs as Seattle Seahawks top Washington Commanders 26-21 in Week 3

Landover, MD - Sam Darnold threw two touchdown passes, Cooper Kupp delivered the game's biggest receiving total, and the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Washington Commanders 26-21 in Week 3.

Seattle created some separation before settling into the role of protecting an advantage as the game progressed. Washington continued to apply pressure and narrowed the margin, but the Seahawks emerged from an otherwise balanced statistical matchup with the five-point victory.

The two offenses were separated by only seven yards. Seattle finished with 388 offensive yards, including 308 through the air, while Washington produced 381 offensive yards with 300 passing. The Commanders held an 81-80 edge in rushing yards and recorded 15 first downs to Seattle's 12.

Darnold completed 20 of 35 passes for 308 yards and finished with a 105.4 passer rating. His touchdown passes went to Kupp and Rashid Shaheed, who gave Seattle two productive options in the passing game.

Kupp caught eight passes for 146 yards, including a 71-yard reception, and scored one touchdown. Shaheed added six receptions for 105 yards and a score, with his longest catch going for 27 yards. Together, they accounted for 251 of Seattle's passing yards.

"There were stretches where we were getting the ball to the right people and creating opportunities," Darnold said. "The third-down number is obviously something we have to own, but you appreciate getting out of here with the result."

That third-down number was the most striking entry in Seattle's offensive line: The Seahawks went 0-for-11. They also failed on their only fourth-down attempt. Washington was 3-for-15 on third down and converted two of its three fourth-down opportunities.

The red-zone numbers presented another contrast. Seattle reached the red zone twice and came away with two field goals but no touchdowns. Washington made three trips inside the Seattle 20 and scored touchdowns on two of them.

Even with those efficiency differences, Seattle maintained an advantage for much of the broader flow of the game. Washington kept the margin from becoming comfortable and made the final score reflect how little separated the teams overall, though the Commanders never completely erased the Seahawks' edge.

"You want to be available wherever the ball goes," Kupp said. "We had production in the passing game, but there are still areas where we left ourselves work to do. Winning gives you a chance to correct those things with a good feeling in the building."

Jayden Daniels was sharp for Washington, completing 29 of 40 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns. His 110.4 passer rating was higher than Darnold's, and he also rushed nine times for 32 yards.

Jaylin Lane was Daniels' leading target, catching 10 passes for 110 yards and both Washington receiving touchdowns. His longest reception covered 49 yards. Stefon Diggs added nine catches for 93 yards, giving the Commanders two receivers who combined for 19 receptions and 203 yards.

Washington also got a rushing touchdown from Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who carried 16 times for 49 yards. Seattle's Zach Charbonnet supplied all 80 of the Seahawks' rushing yards on 17 attempts, with a long run of 22 yards.

"There was a lot of production, and guys were getting open and finishing catches," Daniels said. "But 300 yards and two touchdowns don't feel the same when you're walking away without the win. The standard is the result."

Neither defense recorded an interception. Washington registered four sacks, while Seattle finished with two. Those totals were part of a game in which both quarterbacks still surpassed 300 passing yards and posted passer ratings above 100.

For Seattle, the final result mattered more than the uneven situational numbers. The Seahawks left Landover with a 26-21 Week 3 victory after producing two 100-yard receivers and enough broad separation to withstand Washington's push.

Up Next

The Seahawks return home in Week 4 to host the Los Angeles Chargers and look to build on the win, while the Commanders remain home and turn their attention to the Indianapolis Colts.