Colts have no choice but to bench polarizing vet after Week 2 stunner
The Indianapolis Colts are dealing with a difficult decision after cornerback Xavien Howard’s disastrous performance in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Once considered one of the league's top cornerbacks, Howard gave up completions on all eight of his targets, two of which ended in touchdowns, and missed two tackles.
Howard’s struggles have left fans and analysts questioning whether the veteran is washed up. The Colts signed him this offseason, hoping he could help their defense after a foot injury sidelined him in 2024. But after his lackluster performance against Denver, it’s clear that the team may need to make a change.
With Charvarius Ward recovering from a concussion, the Colts might turn to Jonathan Edwards and Mekhi Blackmon, who have shown promise. If they perform well in Week 3, Howard could find himself on the bench, unable to contribute as expected.
Howard himself admitted, "I'm not ready to pass the torch, but maybe it's time to think about it." While his past achievements can’t be denied, the Colts may have no choice but to bench him for the sake of the team’s future.
The decision will have major implications for the Colts' defense, and their Week 3 matchup against the Tennessee Titans may very well determine Howard’s fate in Indianapolis.
Jayden Daniels Out: Marcus Mariota to Start for Commanders in Week 3
The Washington Commanders won’t have superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels in Week 3 and will start veteran backup Marcus Mariota in his place against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3.
MRI tests revealed Daniels suffered a PCL sprain in a 27-18 Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Mariota is in his second season as Daniels’ backup and signed a 1-year, $8 million contract on March 12 after playing on a 1-year, $6 million contract in 2024.
“Now official: Commanders HC Dan Quinn said Marcus Mariota will start Sunday versus the Raiders,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account on September 19.
Mariota filled in for Daniels in 2024 after he injured his ribs in the first quarter of a 40-7 Week 7 win over the Carolina Panthers. Mariota looked sharp that day, going 18-of-23 passing for 205 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions to go with 11 carries for 34 yards.
He also saw extended action in the regular season finale, going 15-of-19 passing for 161 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions to go with 5 carries for 56 yards and 1 touchdown in a 23-19 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
Mariota, Daniels Have Plenty In Common
Mariota and Daniels have a lot in common aside from just how they play — starting with both being similar size. Mariota is 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds while Daniels is 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds.
Both players were No. 2 overall picks in the NFL draft. Mariota was picked No. 2 by the Tennessee Titans in 2015 and Daniels was picked No. 2 in the 2024 NFL draft by th Commanders.
Both were rookie starting quarterbacks. Mariota went 3-9 in 2015 and Daniels went 12-5 in 2024, leading his team to the NFC Championship Game.
Both played in the Pac-12 Conference. Mariota starred at the University of Oregon. Daaniels started his career at Arizona State before he transferred to LSU for his final 2 seasons.
Both Mariota and Daniels are also part of college football’s most exclusive club — Mariota became Oregon’s first Heisman Trophy winner in 2014 and Daniels won the Heisman Trophy at LSU in 2023.
