Commanders’ Hopes Rest on Marcus Mariota Amid Chiefs’ Defensive Dominance
There will be no Jayden Daniels for the Washington Commanders to depend upon again in Week 8. The quarterback is currently dealing with a low-grade hamstring strain, and the coaching staff opted not to drag this out by ruling the dynamic signal-caller out for the team's daunting trip to the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of time.
This will be the third time Daniels has been absent this season. His playing style dictates that some punishment will be taken, so whether this results in a slight change in approach moving forward remains to be seen.
That's a question for another day. Until then, Marcus Mariota will be tasked with leading the charge, and one NFL writer believes the former Oregon standout could be in for a rough evening with the prime-time spotlight glaring on
Comnmanders QB Marcus Mariota could be in for a rough ride against the Chiefs
Ryan Heckman from NFL Spin Zone thought the Chiefs' defense could overwhelm Mariota, leading to multiple sacks and a convincing home victory that further cements their Super Bowl aspirations.
"If it's [Marcus] Mariota, the Chiefs will feast. Kansas City has yet to really hit their stride defensively in terms of sacks and takeaways as they sit in the middle of the pack, there. But, against the Commanders, Kansas City's defense is going to come up with five sacks on either a hobbled Daniels or the lesser-talented Mariota. In case there was any doubt, the Chiefs rout Washington in front of a national audience." - Ryan Heckman
Mariota is widely regarded as one of the league's best backup quarterbacks. He's a solid pro who knows how to deploy Kliff Kingsbury's scheme effectively. However, his limitations are apparent, and Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will have no trouble exploiting his weaknesses if the offensive line doesn't rise to the occasion.
Getting Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. back into the fold would also assist greatly. Dan Quinn stated that both wide receivers will practice this week, and there is hope they will feature. Fans have heard that before, so seeing is believing.
Establishing a potent ground attack should also give Mariota some extra confidence. Kingsbury needs to lean on the committee approach that proved so successful earlier in the campaign. Relying too heavily on seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt in this sort of environment is a recipe for disaster, so expect to see more of Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols versus a Chiefs run defense giving up 105.7 yards per game.
The task awaiting Mariota is steep. He's had success at this venue before, but it would be a bombshell of epic proportions if the Commanders managed to pull this one off.
Bo Nix Fires Back: 'If You Think We’re Done, You’ve Got Another Thing Coming—We’re Just Getting Started!'
After a rough start to the season, the Denver Broncos have shown undeniable resilience, with quarterback Bo Nix leading the charge. In the wake of a thrilling comeback victory against the New York Giants, Nix made it clear that the Broncos are not finished—despite any doubts others may have. His words struck a defiant tone, and his leadership is helping to drive a renewed sense of belief within the team.
“People think we’re done after a few bad games, but they don’t know us. We’re not backing down. We came back when it mattered most, and we’re going to keep doing it,” Nix said, speaking to reporters after the game. “If anyone thinks we can’t make a run, they’ve got another thing coming.”
This statement is more than just bravado; it reflects a mindset that has defined Nix’s leadership from the start. Despite a few early losses, the Broncos showed tremendous fight, notably in their come-from-behind victory against the Giants, where Nix orchestrated a historic fourth-quarter performance that secured the win.
A New Energy with Nix at the Helm
Nix’s mentality has been infectious for the Broncos. Since his arrival, he’s brought a fresh sense of urgency and leadership to the locker room. His confidence and resilience were on full display in their recent comeback, as he led the team with poise and determination. With Nix under center, the Broncos have begun to find their rhythm again, and the win against the Giants could be the turning point they needed.
This victory was a testament to Nix's ability to handle pressure. Despite being down late in the game, he never wavered. His leadership qualities are becoming evident, not only in his ability to execute plays but also in the way he motivates his teammates. His words post-game were a clear message: the Broncos aren't just going to roll over; they’re here to fight.
The Road Ahead for the Broncos
The Broncos have a challenging schedule ahead, but with Nix’s leadership and the team’s growing confidence, they are poised to make a strong push. They are determined not to let their earlier struggles define them. As Nix mentioned, this is just the beginning, and the team has a lot more to prove. Their performance moving forward will rely heavily on continuing to play with the same intensity, trust in their system, and resilience that Nix has inspired.
Nix’s refusal to back down, even when faced with doubt, serves as a powerful reminder of what the Broncos are capable of. As the season progresses, they will be looking to build on this momentum and prove that they can compete with the league’s best.
With Nix’s leadership and the team’s commitment to improvement, the Broncos are showing they’re more than just a team recovering from early struggles—they’re a team on the rise, ready to make a run for the playoffs.
