The Washington Commanders are heading back to Northwest Stadium looking to improve to 2-1 with a matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Check out this blog throughout the afternoon for stats, updates and more.
1:01 p.m.
The Raiders have won the toss and will defer to start the game. Here come the Commanders' offense and starter Marcus Mariota, but something else to watch. With Brandon Coleman inactive, Chris Paul will get the start at left guard.
1:08 p.m.
Well, that was quick. After the 69-yard return by Deebo Samuel, the Commanders got into the end zone on a five-play drive -- all runs -- with Mariota capping things off. Chris Rodriguez got the start today and looked efficient with four carries for 25 yards.
1:15 p.m.
That was a close call by the defense. Jakobi Meyers nearly got into the end zone on the Raiders' first play with a 45-yard catch and run down to the Commanders' 15-yard line. The run defense held firm as they have for the most part all season and limited Ashton Jeanty to one yard on two carries. They have to be better at falling for play-action and clean up the kicking game, which put the defense in a tough spot to begin with.
1:21 p.m.
Tough end to the Commanders' ensuing drive. It looked like they were about to gash their way downfield, but Mariota got control of the ball after a 23-yard pickup. Time for the defense to step up.
1:38 p.m.
Another frustrating end for the Commanders' offense. Matt Gay's kick is wide right, ending the drive at the Raiders' 19-yard line.
1:47 p.m.
That's the end of the first quarter. A quick update for the Raiders: Michael Mayer took a nasty hit on a Commanders punt return. The cart initially came out for him, but he was able to walk to the sideline. Commanders still lead 7-3
1:56 p.m.
The Commanders add on to their lead with a 46-yard field goal from Gay, but this game has been frustrating for most of the afternoon. It feels like the Commanders are moving the ball at will, but they keep letting the Raiders hang around with self-inflicted errors. Their last drive got stalled by a hold and a false start.
2:10 p.m.
It's all tied up again following a nine-play, 80-yard drive from the Raiders. Las Vegas got some momentum from Jeanty, who had 34 yards on the possession.
2:41 p.m.
We're about to come back from halftime, and the Commanders have to feel good about their chances up 20-10. They already have nearly 200 rushing yards with five players getting at least one touch. The Raiders, meanwhile, are 1-of-6 on third down with two sacks given up on Geno Smith. If they can clean up some smaller issues, the Commanders should be able to close this one out. Also, while there are still some issues, it's the best the offense has looked so far this year.
2:48 p.m.
That opening drive for the Raiders went exactly how the Commanders wanted. The defensive line was stifling and brought down Smith for another sack. This time, it was Von Miller with his first of the season.
3:05 p.m.
The Commanders punt return touchdown drought is over! Jaylin Lane just had a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown to put the Commanders up 27-10. It's the first time a Washington player has scored on a punt since 2016.
3:10 p.m.
The Commanders' defense has been completely dominant in the second half. They now have five sacks on Smith for a loss o 28 yards. The defensive front, particularly Dorance Armstrong, is having a monster game with his third sack in as many weeks and five tackles.
