Marcus Mariota looked like the quarterback who won the Heisman Trophy on Sunday.
The Washington Commanders backup quarterback, stepping in for injured starter Jayden Daniels, produced an impressive performance which included two touchdown passes during the Commanders’ dominant 40-7 win over the Carolina Panthers.
Mariota came on after Daniels suffered a rib injury late in the first quarter. Mariota started out sluggish while shaking off the rust, but then found a comfort zone and elevated his game. Mariota completed 18-of-23 passes for 205 passing yards and two touchdowns in the game. The dual threat quarterback also showed he still has the wheels, rushing 11 times for 34 rushing yards.
Mariota deflected any praise for himself and directed it toward his teammates.
“These guys are unbelievable,” Mariota told Evan Washburn of CBS Sports after the game. “We’ve got an awesome group of guys that just believe in each other. They made play after play. I just did my best to give them a chance … It’s a brotherhood. When you have a brotherhood like this, you’ll find ways to win.”
Mariota, who signed a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with the Commanders in March, misfired on his first six passes before finding his rhythm. He completed 5-of-6 passes for 75 yards and 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz to complete a 92-yard two-minute drive late in the second quarter.
Mariota and the Commanders’ offense continued humming to open the third quarter. He went six-for-six in passing during their drive and threw a 2-yard scoring pass to tight end Ben Sinnott.
Daniels did not return to the game after sustaining the injury. He was seen on the sideline in street clothes at the beginning of the second half. Washington coach Dan Quinn said after the game he didn’t have an update on Daniels’ injury and he will be further evaluated on Monday.
Mariota said he doesn’t know if he’ll start next Sunday when the Commanders face the Chicago Bears.
“I have no idea but if I had to guess, the kid’s unbelievably tough but if they need me, I’ll do my best,” Mariota told Evan Washburn of CBS Sports.
