In a game that featured two former Oregon Ducks quarterbacks squaring off, Marcus Mariota and Bo Nix delivered a showdown that was as gritty as it was emotional. With the Washington Commanders fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, Mariota stepped into the spotlight against Nix and the Denver Broncos in a high-stakes overtime thriller. The final score-27-26 in favor of Denver-was a gut punch for Washington fans, but Mariota’s performance left plenty to talk about.
Let’s start with the numbers: Mariota threw the ball 50 times, completing 28 of those passes for 294 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. That 56% completion rate might not jump off the page, but context matters.
This was against a Broncos defense ranked fifth in the league in total defense-and Mariota still found ways to move the ball, especially in the second half. He also added 55 rushing yards on 10 carries, showing flashes of the dual-threat ability that made him a Heisman winner and the No. 2 overall pick back in the day.
What stood out most was Mariota’s willingness to push the ball downfield. After a relatively quiet first quarter, he started dialing in on deeper throws, especially to tight end Zach Ertz and wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
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Ertz was the spark-first with an 11-yard catch late in the first, then a 21-yard grab that seemed to unlock Mariota’s rhythm. From there, the deep shots kept coming.
Six of Mariota’s long completions (10+ yards) went to McLaurin, and five more found Ertz. But the biggest strike of the day was a 38-yard dime to Deebo Samuel in overtime, a throw that set up a first-and-goal and had Commanders fans holding their breath.
That throw to Samuel was vintage Mariota-calm in the pocket, working through his progressions, and delivering a strike under pressure. Even though the coverage was shaky, the execution was all Mariota. It was the kind of play that reminded everyone why he’s still a valuable asset in this league, especially when the moment demands poise.
Of course, it wasn’t all clean. The game had its share of misfires, especially early on.
Washington’s opening drive looked promising but quickly revealed issues with the run game against Denver’s front. On the next drive, Mariota struggled to connect with Ertz and McLaurin, and the offense stalled.
A MARIOTA MIRACLE TO DEEBO
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His lone interception came early in the second half-an ill-timed throw that forced the Commanders to recalibrate their approach. Later in the third, Mariota took a sack that nearly turned disastrous, but Washington managed to recover the fumble.
Then there was the missed two-point conversion late in the game-a moment that will likely stick with Mariota. With running back Jeremy McNichols wide open in the flat, Mariota just missed him.
It was a walk-in score if the ball had found its mark. Cris Collinsworth didn’t hold back on the broadcast, pointing out how open McNichols was and how simple the throw should’ve been.
It was a costly miss in a game where every point mattered.
But if you watched the full 60 minutes-and the overtime-you saw a quarterback who left it all on the field. Mariota’s legs were a weapon all game long, extending plays, picking up first downs, and keeping drives alive.
His jersey was streaked with dirt and grass stains by the end, a badge of honor after a hard-fought battle. And when the final whistle blew, Mariota embraced his former Oregon successor, Bo Nix, in a moment that showed the mutual respect between two generations of Ducks.
“A guy like that … He deserves to go out there and perform at that level,” Nix said after the game. “You almost wish both teams could win a game like that.”
While the loss stings for Washington, Mariota’s performance was a reminder that he still has something left in the tank. He may not be the long-term answer under center, especially with Jayden Daniels waiting in the wings, but he’s proven he can step in, compete, and lead an offense when called upon. If he chooses to return next season, he’s more than earned his place as a trusted veteran presence in that quarterback room.