Marcus Mariota Shines in Relief Role, Nearly Leads Commanders to Upset Over Broncos
Marcus Mariota isn’t the starting quarterback in Washington - that job belongs to Jayden Daniels - but on Sunday night, he looked every bit the part of a seasoned pro ready for the spotlight. Stepping in against a 9-2 Broncos team with one of the NFL’s toughest defenses, Mariota delivered a performance that reminded everyone just how talented he is when given the chance.
No, it didn’t end in a win for the Commanders, but Mariota’s night was a clinic in resilience, poise, and playmaking - the kind of showing that tends to stick in the minds of front offices around the league.
A Vintage Showing from Mariota
Let’s start with the numbers: 28 completions on 50 attempts, 294 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and a passer rating of 78.2. Add in 55 rushing yards on 10 carries, and you’ve got a quarterback doing everything he can to keep his team in the game.
That 294-yard total? It’s the most Mariota has thrown for in a single game since 2018. And while the completion percentage (56%) wasn’t sparkling, the timing of his throws - especially after a rough early interception - showed a veteran quarterback who knows how to settle in and lead.
Mariota wasn’t just filling in for Daniels; he was channeling his own Heisman-winning, No. 2 overall pick pedigree. He took command of the offense, kept drives alive with his legs, and delivered in clutch moments. At 32 years old, he’s proving he still has the tools to make an impact - whether as a top-tier backup or potentially as a bridge starter somewhere down the line.
Big-Time Throws in Big-Time Moments
Mariota’s first touchdown came on a highlight-reel grab by Treylon Burks - a one-handed catch that immediately drew comparisons to Odell Beckham Jr.’s iconic “Sunday Night Football” grab from a decade ago. It was a moment that put Washington on the board and gave them life against a Broncos team that’s been steamrolling opponents.
Later, in overtime, Mariota delivered again. With Washington trailing, he zipped a strike to Terry McLaurin for a touchdown that brought the Commanders within one. The team opted to go for two and the win - a gutsy call that ultimately didn’t pay off - but the throw itself was a reminder of Mariota’s ability to rise in pressure-packed situations.
And it wasn’t just the touchdowns. Mariota orchestrated a textbook two-minute drill at the end of regulation, moving the Commanders into field goal range to tie the game at 20. On a key fourth down, he kept the drive alive with a clutch throw, showing the kind of situational awareness that only comes with experience.
Even in overtime, after a holding penalty wiped out a potential game-winning touchdown, Mariota didn’t flinch. He came right back and found Deebo Samuel on a strike that brought Washington to the doorstep of the end zone. The Commanders couldn’t punch it in, but Mariota’s poise never wavered.
A Backup Who Deserves Attention
Let’s be clear: Mariota wasn’t perfect. The interception early in the game came in Denver territory and could’ve been a momentum killer.
But he bounced back - and that’s what you want from a veteran backup. Someone who can take a punch, adjust, and keep swinging.
This wasn’t just a spot start. It was Mariota stepping into the fire against a playoff-caliber defense and nearly pulling off a primetime upset. That kind of performance doesn’t go unnoticed in a league where quarterback depth is more valuable than ever.
What’s Next for Mariota?
Mariota signed a one-year, $8 million deal to return to Washington this season, with $7.4 million guaranteed. That kind of investment tells you the Commanders value what he brings to the table - not just on the field, but in the locker room and quarterback room as well. He’ll be a free agent at the end of the year, and after Sunday night, it wouldn’t be surprising if a few teams come calling.
Whether he gets another shot to start or continues to be one of the league’s most trusted backups, Mariota’s value is clear. He’s the kind of player who can step in, steady the ship, and give his team a real chance to win.
A Proud Representative of His Roots
Born and raised in Honolulu, Mariota is of Samoan and German descent, and he’s long spoken about how much his heritage means to him. That sense of community and humility has always been a part of his game - he plays with purpose, and it shows.
As he once put it, “It’s always about us, it’s always about the community. It’s never about I or what you’re doing.” That mindset was on full display Sunday night, as Mariota put the team on his back and nearly delivered a signature win.
He might not be the starter in Washington. But on Sunday night, under the lights, Marcus Mariota reminded everyone that he’s still got something to offer - and maybe more than just as a backup.