Marcus Mariota stats today: Commanders QB outshines Broncos' Bo Nix in battle of Oregon alums

David Suggs

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Marcus Mariota stats today: Commanders QB outshines Broncos' Bo Nix in battle of Oregon alums image

Marcus Mariota might not be a starting quarterback at this point in his NFL career, but the Commanders QB looked the part in relief for Jayden Daniels Sunday night. He has established himself as one of the league's better understudies across the past two years in Washington.

Mariota's talent has always been clear. He was a Heisman Trophy winner and former No. 2 overall pick. But in the nation's capital, his gifts have sparkled -- particularly when there's pressure on him.

The Commanders' Sunday night tilt with the Broncos,  facing a 9-2 team attempting to stake a claim on the No. 1 seed in the AFC didn't seem to faze Mariota, who put forth one of the best showings of his recent career against the league's preeminent defensive unit.

Mariota's exploits weren't enough to get Washington a win. But they did remind the masses of what he can do at his best. Perhaps that could land him an opportunity elsewhere in due time.

Here's what you need to know about Mariota's display in the Commanders' 27-26 loss to Denver on Sunday night.

MORE: How Broncos win over Commanders changes potential AFC wild-card matchups

Marcus Mariota stats today vs. Broncos

  • Completions/Attempts:  28/50
  • Passing Yards:  294
  • AVG:  5.9
  • Passing TDs:  2
  • INTs:  1
  • Rating:  78.2
  • Rushing Yards:  55
  • Rushing TDs:  0

Mariota showed out in his sixth start of the season, producing highlights in bunches against the Broncos' vaunted defense.

He produced more passing yards than he has in any single game since 2018, earning the license to let loose under the "Sunday Night Football" lights.

Mariota wasn't necessarily efficient -- his 56 percent completion rate is his lowest mark in a full start this year. Nevertheless, Mariota found his rhythm when it counted, particularly after tossing an interception deep in Denver territory early.

MORE: Treylon Burks has catch of the year candidate in SNF matchup vs. Broncos

All told, Mariota was just what the Commanders needed on Sunday night. He might not be Jayden Daniels, but he can certainly mimic him, as he did throughout the night. Not only was he effective down the stretch, but he also utilized his legs, recording 55 rushing yards on 10 carries, 39 more than Nix tallied.

Mariota's heroics weren't enough to lead Washington to a win. But they made him a star on the Northwest Stadium field, if only for a fleeting moment.

Marcus Mariota highlights vs. Broncos

Interception notwithstanding, Mariota was a steady presence in Washington's attack. Unassuming as ever, the Oregon alum used lively legs, short passing and his deft touch to attack the Broncos' defense.

Mariota recorded two touchdowns on the day, one coming from a wondrous Treylon Burks' one-handed grab that had some seeing visions of Odell Beckham Jr's legendary grab on "Sunday Night Football" 10 years ago.

The other toss came in overtime. Mariota fizzed a scorcher to Terry McLaurin that threatened to knot the game before Washington opted to go for two.

In between those two moments, Mariota kept Washington's attack ticking. He shined with his arm and his legs, authoring up a two-minute drill like few others to level the score at 20 apiece at the end of regulation.

Mariota found similar success in overtime. After seeing a touchdown wiped off the board due to a holding call, Mariota and the Commanders went right back to the well, with Mariota finding Deebo Samuel to bring Washington to the goal line.

Mariota wasn't faultless on Sunday night. But he did serve up an admirable performance, one likely to linger in front offices' minds throughout the league

How old is Marcus Mariota?

Mariota is 32 years old. He turned 32 on Oct. 30.

Marcus Mariota salary

Mariota inked a one-year, $8 million deal to stay with the Commanders as a backup ahead of the 2025 season. His contract features a $5.5 million signing bonus and nearly $7.4 million in guaranteed money, according to Spotrac. He'll be a free agent come the end of the year and could stand to get looks as a starter in some situations.

Is Marcus Mariota Hawaiian?

Born and raised in Honolulu, Mariota is, in fact, Hawaiian. He's of Samoan and German descent, taking inspiration from a host of notable Polynesian players of the past, including former Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli.

He cited his heritage as one of the central tenets to his life during a 2018 ESPN profile.

"Really, it's just a way of life," Mariota said. "It's always about us, it's always about the community. It's never about I or what you're doing. When you carry yourself that way, it's important that you remember that you represent much more than yourself."

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