Washington Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota was barely settled on the sideline bench at the beginning of the first quarter when he was suddenly called into action.
With starting quarterback Jayden Daniels suffering a reported rib injury on the team’s first offensive drive, Mariota was thrust into Kliff Kingsbury’s offense to prevent an upset against the Carolina Panthers.
It didn’t take long for the Commanders to assert their dominance, jumping out to a 27-0 lead as Mariota excelled both through the air and on the ground.
Head coach Dan Quinn expressed his satisfaction with Mariota’s performance, praising the quarterback for stepping up when the team needed him most.
“I’m really proud of Marcus,” Quinn said. “It’s been a tough start, with him being on IR and dealing with an injury.
For him to come back and show that poise, there was no hesitation, even when [Daniels’ injury] happened early after the very first offensive drive.
He just went in and got to work. I tip my hat to him—when your moment is called, you have to be ready to deliver for the team, and he did exactly that.”
Mariota’s play against the Panthers could be described as “efficient,” or perhaps even “surprising.” He finished the day completing 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns, adding 34 rushing yards on 11 carries.
The Commanders were well aware of the potential pitfalls of facing the Panthers, but Quinn made it a point during the week to ensure his team would not underestimate their opponent, and they responded.
With the win, the Commanders improve to 5-2, now awaiting an update on the severity of Daniels’ injury.
However, there was a positive sign when Daniels was seen smiling and waving to the crowd as he emerged from the locker room after halftime.
Mariota will likely be smiling too, after his outstanding performance in a game he didn’t expect to play.
