Marcus Mariota’s Wild Self-Pass Touchdown Still Lives Rent-Free in Chiefs Fans’ Minds
The Kansas City Chiefs may have caught a break heading into “Monday Night Football,” with Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels ruled out for Week 8. But fans at Arrowhead Stadium still have reason to be nervous. Washington’s backup quarterback, Marcus Mariota, has already made history against Kansas City — and not in a way Chiefs fans like to remember.
It’s been nearly seven years since Mariota pulled off one of the most unbelievable plays in NFL postseason history. Yet, as the Chiefs prepare to face the Commanders, the memory of that 2018 Wild Card game still stings.
Marcus Mariota’s Wild Touchdown Still Haunts the Chiefs
On January 6, 2018, Mariota and the Tennessee Titans came into Arrowhead Stadium as underdogs. The Chiefs started fast, taking a commanding 21-3 lead, and it looked like they were cruising toward an easy playoff win. But then came one of the strangest — and most unforgettable — plays the NFL has ever seen.
Late in the third quarter, with Tennessee in the red zone, Mariota scrambled left and appeared ready to run for a touchdown. At the last second, he pulled up and fired toward wide receiver Corey Davis in the back of the end zone.
The quarterback caught his own deflected pass and dove into the end zone for a touchdown — officially a pass to himself. It sparked a comeback that saw the Titans score 19 unanswered points and stun the Chiefs 22-21.
For Kansas City, the loss marked the end of an era. It was the final game for quarterback Alex Smith as the team’s starter, setting the stage for Patrick Mahomes to take over the following season.
Chiefs Reflect on ‘That Crazy Play’ Ahead of Week 8
@BadSportsRefs Chiefs-Titans playoffs. Derrick Johnson sack fumble ruled play dead for forward progress being stopped.
As the Chiefs prepare to face Mariota once again, head coach Andy Reid and several players reflected on that shocking playoff moment.
“Mariota, we know, has come in here and won a game,” Reid told reporters this week, according to Yahoo Sports. “He’s a good football player, and we don’t slight that at all.”
Mahomes, who watched that 2018 game from the sidelines as a rookie backup, hasn’t forgotten either. “It was such a crazy swing of momentum,” Mahomes said. “There were a couple of plays here and there that changed the whole thing. If you talk about the Derrick Johnson sack-fumble that didn’t get called — and then Marcus making that crazy play.”
Mahomes admitted that the loss taught him a lot. “You can’t let those plays completely change the game,” he said. “You have to find ways to manage that.”
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo made it clear that Kansas City is taking Mariota seriously this time. “They did
Linebacker Nick Bolton agreed. “They do a great job of keeping the offense similar in the things that they do,” he said. “Mariota just runs the ball a little bit more with his legs.”
Mariota’s record since that game hasn’t been impressive — he’s now on his fourth team in five years with a 15-20 record as a starter — but the Chiefs know better than to underestimate him. Mahomes summed it up best: “[Mariota’s] had great moments, and he’s persevered. Now he’s teaching Jayden [Daniels], and when he comes in the game, he’s one of the top-tier backups who can find success whenever his number
Cam Skattebo Vows to Come Back Stronger: 'This Setback Will Only Fuel My Determination'
In the face of adversity, some athletes rise above, using setbacks as stepping stones toward greatness. Cam Skattebo, the New York Giants rookie running back, is showing just how resilient he is after suffering a devastating ankle injury that has sidelined him for the remainder of the 2025 season. While the injury was a heartbreaking moment for the young star, Skattebo's response has been nothing short of inspirational.
Skattebo's determination is evident in his statement: "They think this injury is going to slow me down? If anything, it’s only going to fuel my determination. I’ve faced adversity before and come out stronger on the other side. This setback isn’t a roadblock, it’s a stepping stone."
In a sport as physically demanding as football, injuries are inevitable, but how an athlete responds to them can define their career. For Skattebo, this injury is a brief pause in what he believes will be a long and prosperous journey. His vision is clear: when he returns to the field, it will be with a level of strength and focus that far exceeds what was seen before.
Skattebo's resolve is made even more powerful when considering the impact he had in his rookie season with the Giants. In just seven games, he amassed 410 rushing yards, 207 receiving yards, and scored seven total touchdowns. His performance was particularly impressive considering he began the season with only four touches in Week 1. By the time the injury struck, Skattebo had firmly established himself as a vital piece of the Giants’ offense.
But his journey is far from over. Skattebo's mindset is one of constant growth. "I’m not just coming back; I’m coming back better." This statement speaks volumes about his dedication to not just recover, but to come back stronger than ever before. His commitment to improving his game, no matter the obstacles, will inspire countless fans and teammates alike.
As Skattebo focuses on his recovery, his story serves as a reminder that setbacks are only temporary. With the right mindset, every challenge becomes an opportunity. Skattebo has already shown his potential, and once he returns, there’s little doubt that he’ll have a game-changing impact on the Giants and the league as a whole.
Fans and teammates are eagerly awaiting his return, and with his drive and passion, it seems that Skattebo will come back better, stronger, and more focused than ever before.
