Commanders' Marcus Mariota Ranked Top NFL Backup Quarterback

Marcus Mariota, veteran quarterback for the Washington Commanders, is widely regarded as one of the top backup quarterbacks in the NFL, playing a crucial role behind starter Jayden Daniels. Mariota’s ability to seamlessly run the same offense as Daniels and his strong mentoring presence have been praised by analysts and the young quarterback himself, helping the Commanders remain competitive even when Daniels is sidelined. In the 2024 season, Mariota demonstrated his on-field value by completing 77 percent of his passes for 364 yards and four touchdowns without interceptions, stepping in effectively during Daniels' injuries. Beyond football, Mariota continues to inspire as a motivational figure, lending support to his alma mater Oregon Ducks softball team and actively giving back to his community in Hawaiʻi through his Motiv8 Foundation, which supports education and provides meals to those in need. His leadership and versatility both on and off the field underscore his importance to the Commanders and his broader impact beyond the NFL. Mariota’s presence alleviates concerns about the Commanders' quarterback depth, positioning them as a strong contender in their division.