The Commanders were without Jayden Daniels on Sunday, and they may have been better.

Yes, it may actually be true that, at least for this game, the Commanders‘ offense might have been more efficient and effective without last season’s offensive rookie of the year, Daniels.

In the first half, Mariota had three incompletions, and two were drops by his fellow Commanders. The “backup” quarterback finished the day completing 15 of his 21 passing attempts. Now, Commanders Wire is NOT advocating for Daniels to be replaced by Mariota. But, we are also not denying some of the reality that is Mariota, the “backup.”

Two things jumped out in the Raiders game, regarding Mariota.

• First, Daniels has struggled more than Mariota in seeing the middle of the field and completing passes inside the numbers. Against the Raiders, Mariota again didn’t experience that same struggle.
• Secondly, Mariota clearly with his experience is reading the “zone read” more effectively than Daniels. Mariota had a fantastic keeper where he gained 22 yards in the first half; however, he was hit from behind and fumbled the ball, ending that scoring opportunity. He ran the ball six times for 40 yards in total.

Did you also notice how composed Mariota was on his touchdown run? He had the clarity of mind to head to the end zone, get down, and avoid contact. He was not only thinking about getting the touchdown, he was thinking “be smart for the long term.”

Following the game, Mariota became a bit emotional when interviewed on the field by field reporter Jen Hale. Mariota is older; he is wiser. He has had some real ups and downs in his NFL career. It was visible that Mariota comprehends how tough it is to be successful in the league. He understands some situations better than others. Mariota appears grateful to be a Washington Commander.

“Just thinking about my journey… I was a part of a great franchise with the Raiders, and to see some of these guys and to play against them, it was a lot of fun for me.”

Marcus Mariota joined @JenHale504 after the Commanders took down the Raiders ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/L7NU49h2HE

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 21, 2025

Twice in 2024, Mariota played for Daniels. He played superbly in the home win against the Panthers and then in the season finale, Daniels struggled, was pulled, and Mariota brought the team from behind with a spectacular run and then a last-second touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin.

Mariota continued his streak, Sunday of playing well. Well enough to keep the offense moving, and well enough to put up points on the scoreboard., He again ran the zone read plays well enough that the defense was having to defend eleven, not merely ten.

Dan Quinn told us this week that he had the utmost confidence in Mariota. Who knows, if Daniels isn’t 100 percent to play on the turf in Atlanta, would Quinn decide to give Daniels one more week off, choosing to go with Mariota in a return game against the franchise where he had perhaps his worst NFL experience?

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders’ Marcus Mariota proves he’s the NFL’s top backup