The NFL’s first London game of the season features a third-string quarterback facing off against a starter playing like a third stringer. The Colts lead the Commanders 10-6 at halftime despite two Daniel Jones turnovers.
Jonathan Taylor has the lone touchdown of the game so far, accompanied by a geographically appropriate celebration.
Washington, meanwhile, is playing third-string quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, a seventh-round rookie out of Rutgers, after Marcus Mariota exited early with a right knee injury. Mariota was already starting in place of Jayden Daniels (elbow). Mariota is officially questionable to return; he went down awkwardly on a sack, had a quick visit to the medical tent and then exited the field for further evaluation.
The game couldn’t have gotten off to a much better start for Washington: On the second play from scrimmage, Jones lost the ball on an Odafe Oweh sack, and Oweh recovered the fumble. The Commanders had to settle for a field goal, though. The same thing happened on Washington’s second drive — Washington stopped in the red zone again — though this one was more damaging considering Mariota’s injury.
Still, the Colts offense could get nothing going. Jones threw an interception to Rasul Douglas, but the Commanders gave the ball right back on a failed fourth-down attempt. A few plays later, the Colts got another gift when Amik Robertson committed a personal foul on what would have been a third-down stop. That led to Taylor’s score. The Colts also tacked on a field goal late in the half.
Follow along below throughout the rest of the game for news, updates and analysis, and stay tuned after the game for our takeaways as well!