Commanders Still Waiting on Jayden Daniels, But Marcus Mariota’s Costly Mistake Highlights the Margin for Error
With rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels still sidelined as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder, the Washington Commanders once again turned to veteran Marcus Mariota in Week 13. And for a few early possessions, the offense looked like it might just be in steady hands.
Mariota was moving the ball, distributing it quickly, and executing Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme with confidence. But one decision-one of those head-scratchers that’s followed Mariota throughout his career-shifted the tone in a hurry.
Let’s be clear: Mariota knows the game. He’s played in a variety of systems, and he’s got enough experience to run an offense efficiently.
He still has some athleticism left in the tank, and he’s capable of making plays when things break down. But against a Denver Broncos defense that’s been playing fast and physical, the margin for error was always going to be slim.
That margin disappeared in an instant during the first half, when Mariota tried to do too much. Stepping up in the pocket, he left his feet and fired a pass into tight coverage-only to be picked off by linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
It wasn’t just a turnover; it was a momentum killer. The Commanders had been moving the ball well, and suddenly Denver had a short field and came away with points.
NBC’s Cris Collinsworth didn’t mince words during the broadcast: “Marcus Mariota is one of the really smart guys playing quarterback, but this was really unsmart.” And honestly, that about sums it up. It wasn’t a matter of arm talent or scheme-it was a decision that simply can’t happen, especially in the red zone.
To Mariota’s credit, he didn’t let the mistake snowball. He bounced back, settled into a rhythm, and later led a scoring drive capped by a strong finish from running back Chris Rodriguez Jr.
That kind of resilience is part of what’s kept Mariota in the league this long. He’s a pro, and he knows how to move on from a bad play.
But this is also the Mariota experience in a nutshell: flashes of competence, even brilliance, followed by moments that leave you wondering what he saw-or didn’t see-on the field. At this stage in his career, those inconsistencies are part of the package.
He can manage a game, keep the offense on schedule, and even make a few plays with his legs. But when the windows get tighter and the pressure ramps up, the mistakes tend to creep in.
For the Commanders, this is a tough spot. They’re still mathematically in the hunt, and the defense has shown it can keep games close.
But without Daniels, the offense is walking a fine line. Every possession matters, and every decision from the quarterback position carries weight.
That’s why plays like Mariota’s interception loom so large-they’re the difference between staying in control and giving away momentum.
Fans are understandably eager to see Daniels back under center. The rookie’s dynamic skill set and poise gave this offense a different ceiling earlier in the season.
But until he’s cleared for contact, the Commanders are riding with Mariota. And that means leaning on his experience while hoping the costly mistakes stay few and far between.
It’s a balancing act. Mariota can keep the team competitive-but only if he avoids the kind of game-changing errors that showed up against Denver. Until Daniels returns, that’s the reality Washington is dealing with.