In March of last year, the Washington Commanders made headlines by signing former Oregon Duck quarterback Marcus Mariota to a one-year, $6 million contract. The move was seen as a way to bring experience to a team with uncertainties in the quarterback position. This was further reinforced when the Commanders selected Jayden Daniels, former LSU quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, with the second pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
The general consensus in the league was that Daniels would assume the starting role, while Mariota would serve as a mentor and backup, a role he has embraced in the past. After being replaced as a starter by Ryan Tannehill during the 2019 season with the Tennessee Titans, Mariota went on to serve as a backup for the Las Vegas Raiders, started for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, and was a backup for the Philadelphia Eagles last season.
Unlike some veteran quarterbacks who may struggle with mentoring a rookie, Mariota sees value in the competition within the team. He believes that a healthy quarterback room focused on competing and improving each other will bring out the best in everyone, regardless of who starts on game day.
Recent statistics show that Mariota played well in his limited appearances last season, exhibiting an impressive completion rate. This prompted NFL writer Zachary Rogers to suggest starting Mariota over Daniels in the upcoming season opener. While some may question putting a rookie quarterback in such a position, the Commanders did not use a high draft pick to keep him on the bench. Daniels has impressed his teammates with his grasp of the offensive playbook, instilling confidence in his potential to lead the team.
The debate over who will start as quarterback is expected to continue leading up to training camp and possibly pre-season games, until new head coach Dan Quinn makes a decision. Mariota remains focused on elevating the team through commanders-jayden-daniels-culture-fit-most-important-says-qb-coach/” title=”Washington Commanders Jayden Daniels’ Culture Fit ‘Most Important’ Says QB Coach”>healthy competition, drawing from his experiences as a college quarterback with the Oregon Ducks.
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The post Is a Former Quarterback Taking the Helm for the Washington Commanders? first appeared on USA NEWS.
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Author : Jean-Pierre CHALLOT
Publish date : 2024-09-28 17:00:20
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