Colts have no choice but to bench polarizing vet after Week 2 stunner
The Indianapolis Colts have begun the season in a way they haven't since 2009. That was the last year Indy won its first two games. Heck, it was almost the last time Indy won its first game. But things are seemingly better now, and let's hope it lasts.
Still, every team needs fixes. Lack of adjustment can lead to the downfall of a once promising year. Daniel Jones has been terrific, of course, but he could be even more productive in terms of touchdowns.
On defense, Indy played exceedingly well in Week 1 against a terrible Miami Dolphins team, but Week 2 was a bit more of a mess. This is especially true of preseason free agent signee Xavien Howard. The veteran was once one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL, but that obviously isn't the case anymore.
Indianapolis Colts might have a tough decision with Xavien Howard coming up
After a solid game against his former team, the Dolphins, and maybe partly motivated by revenge, Howard was atrocious against the Denver Broncos in Week 2. He gave up completions on all eight of his targets, two of which were for touchdowns. He also whiffed on two of his five tackle attempts.
Miami wasn't interested in bringing Howard back this past offseason after the cornerback missed 2024 with a foot injury. He is also 32 years old, which is fairly ancient for a player whose job it is to stop speedy and younger receivers. The Dolphins thought Howard was washed up, and he might very well be.
The problem for the Colts is that they had no real choice but to play him against the Broncos. This made sense, too. After all, Howard was good against Miami. But now the team might know who Howard truly is, and counting on him moving forward is likely a mistake.
Indy has struggled with injuries at the cornerback spot so far this year, and Charvarius Ward missed Week 2. He might be able to play against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, but he still has to clear concussion protocol. Rookie Jonathan Edwards and Mekhi Blackmon are behind Howard on the depth chart. Blackmon was pretty good in Week 2.
But both might get a chance to play in Week 3, and if they do well while Howard struggles again, Edwards or Blackmon might need to replace Xavien Howard. For 2025 to continue to be a success for the Indianapolis Colts, Howard might need to take a seat on the bench.
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.
