Jayden Daniels’ injury leaves Marcus Mariota with more than a starting job. He inherits an offense missing its biggest rushing threat, dealing with injuries along the offensive line and searching for more production from its WR1. Through it all, Mariota must keep Washington’s offense moving.
With uncertainty surrounding quarterback Jayden Daniels’ return, Marcus Mariota and the Washington Commanders’ offense will need to adjust its game plan.
Daniels’ ability to use his legs has already been a major part of the offense this season. He finished the first half against Dallas with 69 rushing yards. Mariota is capable of making plays with his legs, but he has never been the same rushing threat as Daniels. His career-high came in 2022 with the Atlanta Falcons, when he rushed for 438 yards. Last season, he finished with fewer than 300 rushing yards in 11 games. Daniels has already surpassed 100 rushing yards through two games this season.
With this in mind, the Commanders should lean on their running back room. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White and Kaytron Allen are more than capable of carrying the rushing attack and taking some of the responsibility off Mariota. Mariota has proven he can be effective on read-option plays, but those can be used selectively. He has a lot of bigger fish to fry as he takes over Washington’s offense.
Speaking of fry, the Commanders’ offensive line will need to fry opposing defensive lines if the offense wants any chance of moving the ball downfield. With Mariota not providing the same rushing threat as Daniels, the offensive line will need to hold down the fort a little longer than usual. With Daniels, if the offensive line broke down, he could scramble away and extend the play. Mariota does not provide that same ability, especially at this stage of his career.
Unfortunately for Washington, this comes at the worst time, as the team is without star left tackle Laremy Tunsil, while right guard Sam Cosmi is in concussion protocol and tackle Brandon Coleman is dealing with a finger injury. Regardless of the situation, the Commanders’ depth needs to step up. There’s no time for excuses. Jobs are in jeopardy if the results aren’t there.
With Mariota’s limitations, he’ll need to get the ball out quickly, while offensive coordinator David Blough needs to do a better job of creating schemes that get wide receiver Terry McLaurin more involved. McLaurin has just four receptions for 64 yards through the first two games. That production is not enough for a receiver of his caliber, especially given his role and contract.
Washington will need to find ways to overcome these obstacles while Daniels recovers from his injury. If the Commanders can’t, the offense could quickly become a problem for a team trying to keep its season on track.
