This week’s trip to London to take on the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ended with a loss for the Washington Commanders.
But one statistic highlighted just how tough it was for the Commanders’ offense on Sunday.
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With starting quarterback Jayden Daniels still sidelined after dislocating his left elbow against the Dallas Cowboys — the second season in a row Daniels has suffered that particular injury — veteran Marcus Mariota got the start once more for Washington. And in the early going he led the Commanders to a 6-0 lead on a pair of field goal drives, starting the second possession with this big run off the left side:
But then, disaster struck for Washington. Mariota was knocked out of the game on a hit at the conclusion of that drive, and after he was checked out in the blue medical tent, he was taken to the locker room for further evaluation of a potential knee injury.
He would ultimately be ruled out of the game.
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That forced Dan Quinn to turn to rookie third-string quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, and while he performed admirably for a player in that situation — he finished having completed 15-of-33 passes for 186 yards, a touchdown, and an interception — it was clear that Indianapolis made stopping the run a focus after Mariota exited.
How clear?
By the time the game finished, with the Colts winning by a final score of 30-13, Mariota remained Washington’s leading rusher, with one attempt for 35 yards.
Behind him, Austin Ekeler had four attempts for 29 yards, and Kaliakmanis had three carries for 16 yards.
One play, one run, and one leading rusher for the Commanders: A player who exited after just two drives.
It was that kind of Sunday for Washington in London.
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