ASHBURN, Va. — Perfection at the quarterback position isn’t realistic. Possible Week 8 starter Marcus Mariota needs to continue reminding himself precisely that.
Washington Commanders rookie sensation Jayden Daniels’ playing status is considered “week to week” after suffering a rib injury in Sunday’s 40-7 romp over the Carolina Panthers. Daniels did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, the team’s first of the new week. Coach Dan Quinn is “hopeful,” but no definitive update may occur on the rookie until hours before Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. kickoff at Northwest Stadium.
The Commanders certainly won’t rush the prized player back, even with an intriguing NFC matchup — and the NFL universe bugged-eyed excited for a meeting between quarterbacks selected No. 1 and 2 in April’s draft, Caleb Williams and Daniels. That’s why there’s more responsibility on Mariota this week before Washington (5-2) hosts the Chicago Bears (4-2).
Mariota, a 10-year veteran, handled media duties on Wednesday. Coaches he might typically spend five minutes with during a game week are now more available. The former Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons starter is primarily focused on keeping his weekly routine and “letting everything else fall into place and be ready to play on Sunday.”
Mariota’s preparation and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s play calling kept Washington’s high scoring rolling against the overmatched Panthers after Daniels exited following the first offensive possession. Another factor for Mariota, and one the second player selected in the 2015 NFL Draft will keep top of mind should he make his first start in two years, is leaning into having fun.
“To get the opportunity to play was fun, was exciting,” said Mariota, who completed 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdown passes. “If my name is called again, that’s how I’m going to approach it. Throughout my career, I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect. I think I play my best when I’m enjoying it and having fun.”
Players have frequently mentioned that “fun” word during this 5-2 season, where camaraderie is part of the secret sauce Quinn has built in his first year with Washington. Having a playmaking quarterback who showed no signs of stress in a comeback victory over the New York Giants and has a “Monday Night Football” road shootout win against the Cincinnati Bengals helps with the smiles.
“Practice is probably the biggest thing (for Jayden),” Quinn said on Wednesday. “(We) want to make sure he can fully express himself and do all the things that he does (on the field), which makes him so unique and special.”
Mariota delivered many moments over his first four seasons. Tapping into those experiences, combined with injecting his low-key personality into this week’s preparation, will serve him and the Commanders well.
“Marcus is the type of guy you want to be able to step in,” said former Titans tight end Delanie Walker. “When your starting quarterback goes down, a guy like Marcus can run the system and make plays. … He’s never going to complain. He’s going to play the game at a high level.”
Mariota won’t carry the offense or shouldn’t be put in that position. Kingsbury maintained a similar approach following the quarterback change on Sunday, a viable path since Mariota’s mobility keeps read-option plays in the plan. The coordinator also tailors his system to Daniels’ strengths and desires.
“What’s unique with Kliff is … he wants to know what you like and how you see it. If you don’t like this play, we’ll get out (of it),” Mariota said. “That type of thing … gives whoever is playing the ultimate confidence.”
Expect a similar process if Mariota gets the start against a Bears defense that ranks in the top five in points (16.8) and yards (292.0) allowed. Per TruMedia, Mariota ranked second in expected points added per dropback at 0.53 among Week 7 quarterbacks.
“We adjusted where Marcus came right in and did everything he was supposed to do,” running back Brian Robinson Jr. said after Washington’s fifth win in six games. “We would love to have (Jayden) back out on the field. Never want to see him go off the field. I’m just glad everybody was prepared to adjust to it.”
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Mariota isn’t a carbon copy of the player who directed the Titans to a 2017 playoff win. Knee and leg injuries dogged him throughout his career. Now a podcast host and analyst, Walker remembers a quarterback capable of connecting on downfield throws but noted injuries “may have changed his throwing motion a little.”
He also missed the opening four games this season after Washington placed him on injured reserve with a pectoral issue. Despite his various physical ailments, Mariota isn’t afraid to run and fight for extra yards. He rushed 11 times against Carolina, often taking a hit rather than sliding.
Mariota credited his receivers with finding zones in Carolina’s defense. He also spoke on Wednesday like someone who, if officially named the starter, grasps that it will take a village to have success against the Bears.
“It’s never easy when the starting quarterback goes down,” Mariota said. “It’s really a collective effort from everybody to step their games up, and our guys are unfazed and going into this week just trying to prepare. (I will) be ready to go if I am called upon.”
(Photo: Greg Fiume / Getty Images)
