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Marcus Mariota replaces injured Jayden Daniels, stars in win over Panthers

By Connor Muldowney

Oct 20, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) celebrates with Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (18) after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Oct 20, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) celebrates with Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (18) after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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It's been quite the weekend for Oregon football fans, especially those who stick around on Sundays and watch former Ducks take the field in the NFL.

One former Duck had himself a monster game and it was a shocking performance.

Marcus Mariota saw some extended action on Sunday for the Commanders as he filled in for the injured Jayden Daniels. The rookie quarterback has been a revelation this season and has been one of the best dual-threats in the league but he went down with a rib injury on Sunday afternoon and was promptly replaced by Mariota.

While that may have seemed like a potential disaster, throwing in a cold quarterback to replace a rising star, the Commanders quickly realized they might have the most solid quarterback room in the NFL.

Following the injury to Daniels, Mariota went off for 205 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another 34 yards. He was 18-for-23 through the air, showing he's still got it.

I don't know about you, but it truly looked like Mariota was his old self during this win as the Commanders ran away with a 40-7 victory. He was making almost every throw and he didn't make any mistakes and he still has some wheels.

Granted, this was just the Panthers, but it was still good to see him come in ice-cold and throw for 200-plus yards and two scores on nearly 80 percent completions.

Did Mariota just revive his career? That's just way too much of an overreaction, but if Daniels misses time and he continues to play well, don't be surprised if a team in need of a starter trades for him.

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