Week 3 proved why the Commanders’ influential talisman changes everything

The Washington Commanders entered their Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in a critical make-or-break position. Following a disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers and without star quarterback Jayden Daniels, this game was an absolute must-win.

It was on the Commanders' leaders to step up. Head coach Dan Quinn certainly did his part, shaking off a bloodied face after Marcus Mariota collided with him on the sidelines in the second quarter. On the field, meanwhile, it was a total team effort.

Washington's offensive backfield ran all over the Raiders, and the defensive front made quarterback Geno Smith's life miserable. One of the major catalysts for that was 14-year veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Bobby Wagner spearheaded Commanders' resurgence in Week 3 success

The Commanders sacked Smith five times, with two of those sacks coming courtesy of the future Pro Football Hall of Famer. Wagner turned 35 years old in June, but you'd have never known it as he set up shop in the Raiders' backfield all afternoon.

Wagner got off to a quiet start in Washington's first two matchups. There were times — particularly in the loss to the Packers — when he was exposed in coverage. But he remains a high-quality pass-rusher, and more importantly, a player who sets the tone and makes everybody around him better.

His impact against his former head coach, Pete Carroll, and old teammate Smith, was visible throughout. The Raiders were held to 10 points over the first three quarters, at which rate Washington had put the game out of reach.

Aside from a touchdown drive in the second frame and a 45-yard completion to Jakobi Meyers on a busted coverage on their first offensive play, Las Vegas was helpless against the Commanders' pressure until it was effectively garbage time.

Washington's other defensive veterans got in on the action as well. Von Miller and Dorance Armstrong Jr. each recorded a sack. Frankie Luvu had seven tackles, and Daron Payne chipped in with six.

Together, the Commanders' defense was able to eliminate the Raiders' top weapons with ease. Running back Ashton Jeanty was stuffed at the line of scrimmage more often than not, held to 63 rushing yards on 17 carries. A week after Packers tight end Tucker Kraft made Washington look silly, Brock Bowers caught only three passes for 38 receiving yards.

It was Wagner at the center of it all. On a week when the Commanders desperately needed their trusted stars to show the way, their most experienced player was as valuable as ever.