Dan Quinn evaluates where Marcus Mariota stands with the Commanders
Dan Quinn seems to like one thing Marcus Mariota does which separates himself from the other quarterbacks on the Washington Commanders roster. While speaking to reporters last week, the Commanders head coach revealed where Mariota stands with the team.
“I thought really all the QBs are doing a nice job not just throwing the ball but playing the position, getting in and out of plays,” Quinn said. “Part of Marcus’ superpower is getting outside and being off-rhythm. You’ll see different plays and different schemes as the quarterbacks play, so that will be one thing I keep an eye on moving forward.”
Mariota signed with the Commanders in March after spending the 2023 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s expected to be the team’s backup QB as rookie Jayden Daniels will be the starter. In May, Mariota said he’s not afraid of a QB competition.
“I think competition makes everybody better,” Mariota said. “Regardless of who is the starter Day 1, I checked my ego a long time ago. I really believe that when you have a healthy quarterback room that’s really trying to compete and make each other better, you’re going to eventually get everybody in that room to play at their best level.
“Regardless of who’s the starter Week 1, I’m going to do everything I can to be the best version of myself and also bring out the best out of my teammates.”
Marcus Mariota ready to help the Commanders any way he can
Mariota, who has started 74 games in his career, would love to be QB for Washington. But ultimately, the former Oregon Ducks QB will do anything to help the team.
“Whatever this staff, whatever this team needs of me, I’m going to do it to the best of my abilities,” Mariota said on a video call with reporters in March, per the Associated Press.
“I’ve dealt with a lot of different things throughout my career. I’ve been a starter, won a playoff game. I’ve also been cut, I’ve also been injured, I’ve also been benched. So, I think all those experiences create value and also creates opportunities for me to build relationships with guys.”
The last time Mariota was a starting quarterback was in 2022 when he started 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons. In those 13 games, the 30-year-old completed 61.3 percent of his passes for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions with an 88.2 passer rating.