The "Oregon QBU" train is still full-go. Standing at a disappointing 4-10, the Washington Commanders are shutting down Jayden Daniels, who has had injury problems all season long. Now, Marcus Mariota will take over and serve as the starting quarterback for the Commanders.
Mariota is an Oregon legend. This year, he was inducted into the Oregon Athletics Hall of Fame. He was celebrated by fans at Autzen Stadium while being a guest picker for College Football Gameday during the game against USC. In 2014, he won the Heisman trophy, leading the Ducks to a Rose Bowl victory over Florida State and a National Championship game appearance. Mariota was then drafted second overall by the Tennessee Titans.
Commanders have decided to sit Jayden Daniels and start Marcus Mariota for the final three games, per sources. pic.twitter.com/8Qi4qUSgGi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 15, 2025
Mariota's journey in the big leagues
While Mariota may have never truly met his potential, he has made his home in the NFL as a prolific backup QB. After he departed from the Titans, Mariota has made stops in Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Philadelphia. Last season, he landed on the Commanders' lap and has contributed to wins since then.
In his first season with the Commanders, Mariota racked up 5 total touchdowns, 364 yards, and zero interceptions in three games. In key moments, the former Duck came up big for Washington during its playoff push. This season, he has scored 11 total touchdowns, thrown for 1,600 yards, and had 7 interceptions in 10 games.
Marcus Mariota aired it out on his 51-yard TD pass. #ProDuckspic.twitter.com/69of6aiKMI
— Eric Hovland (@EricJHovland) December 14, 2025
Marcus Mariota now has clarity on his role
While the turnovers look glaring, Mariota, much like the rest of his career, has had a lack of stability this season. He hasn't known exactly when he would play, and was thrown into the fire at certain points in games. But now, his job is clear. After beating the New York Giants, Mariota will take over as the starter for the remainder of the season. With that clarity in mind, he will have to prepare to play his former squad in the Eagles twice, once at home and once on the road. In between those games, he will face the Dallas Cowboys, and the Commanders' season will come to a close.