Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota led the Washington Commanders to a stunning 33-31 win over the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on September 27 at Northwest Stadium, according to Sportradar and Athlon Sports. Washington entered the game 0-2.

Mariota, starting for the injured Jayden Daniels, completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards with three touchdowns and no turnovers — his first three-touchdown game since 2022, according to Heavy.com. Washington's defense forced three Seattle turnovers, including rookie linebacker Kain Medrano's 50-yard interception return for a touchdown.

The loss snapped Seattle's 12-game winning streak dating to November 2025. Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 379 yards and four touchdowns but was intercepted twice, according to Sportradar.

Front Office Sports reported that Mariota earned a $200,000 bonus: he receives that amount for each win in which he plays at least 60% of the snaps, up to 12 wins, according to Heavy.com.

The upset gives Washington its first win of the season and a blueprint — opportunistic defense and mistake-free quarterback play — for surviving while Daniels recovers from his elbow injury.