News Summary
The Las Vegas Raiders faced off against the Washington Commanders, losing 41-24 at Northwest Stadium. With this defeat, the Raiders fall to a 1-2 record while the Commanders improve to 2-1. Marcus Mariota made his return as a starter for the Commanders, leading the game with a strong performance. The Raiders struggled defensively, allowing significant rushing yards and suffering injuries to key players. Upcoming games could have vital implications for both teams as they navigate the season.
Las Vegas – The Las Vegas Raiders suffered a defeat against the Washington Commanders on September 21, 2025, at Northwest Stadium, with a final score of 41-24. With this loss, the Raiders now hold a record of 1-2 for the season, while the Commanders improved to 2-1 following their victory.
The game, which began at 10:00 a.m. PT, was televised locally on FOX in certain areas. Fans could tune into the Raiders’ pregame show starting at 8:00 a.m. PT on Raider Nation Radio 920AM and KOMP 92.3 The Rock Station. Additionally, an online radio stream was available through raiders.com and the Raiders + Allegiant Stadium app.
In a move due to injury substitution, Marcus Mariota took the helm for the Commanders, marking his first NFL start since 2022 and stepping in for the injured Jayden Daniels. Mariota demonstrated a strong performance, completing 15 of 21 passes for 206 yards and one touchdown. The Commanders’ ground game also made a significant impact, rushing for 174 yards in the first half, the most for the team since 2010.
Highlighting Washington’s rushing success, Jeremy McNichols scored on a notable 60-yard rushing touchdown, while rookie Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt contributed with a 1-yard touchdown run. In a remarkable special teams play, Jaylin Lane returned a punt for a touchdown, covering a distance of 90 yards and tying for the longest return in franchise history.
The Raiders’ performance, while marked by some offensive bright spots, struggled defensively. Quarterback Geno Smith threw three touchdown passes, all caught by wide receiver Tre Tucker, who had an impressive game with eight receptions totaling 145 yards. However, the Raiders’ defense allowed a total of 201 rushing yards, an area identified as a critical point of weakness by player Maxx Crosby, who indicated that tackling issues were a contributing factor to the defeat.
Running back Ashton Jeanty led the Raiders’ rushing efforts, accumulating 63 yards on 17 carries. However, the team faced further complications with injuries; tight end Michael Mayer was forced to leave the game due to a concussion, while Commanders’ wide receiver Terry McLaurin exited with a quadriceps injury.
Looking ahead, the Washington Commanders are scheduled to face the Atlanta Falcons next week, while the Las Vegas Raiders will host the Chicago Bears. The outcome of these upcoming games could crucially impact the teams’ standings as the season progresses.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Las Vegas Raiders Official Highlights
- ESPN: Raiders vs Commanders Recap
- Washington Post: Commanders vs Raiders Live Score
- Google Search: Las Vegas Raiders
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
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