If the Washington Commanders are to pull off the upset of the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos, they must play a smart, ball-controlled offense. Washington appeared to be on that path until a head-scratching play by veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota.
The Commanders’ offense moved the football into the red zone. On 2nd-and-6 from Denver’s 19-yard line, Mariota faced pressure from the Broncos’ defensive front. Mariota hesitated to use his feet. Yet, he stopped then inexplicably threw a jump pass mindlessly into double coverage for an interception.
Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw caught the blind pass for the interception, his first of the season. Mariota’s decision proved costly, killing a potential scoring drive for Washington.
Just an absolutely terrible decision by Marcus Mariota.
Mark Maske/ Washington Post
Oh, man. Just a brutal decision. Mariota caught between seeing a gap to run, then having it close a little, and then forcing a throw to a covered receiver. Just brutal.
John Keim/ ESPN
Plays like that is why the former #2 overall pick Mariota is on his 5th team.
Fan on X
Fortunately for the veteran quarterback, Washington’s defense held Denver to a field goal after the sudden change of possession.
Nonetheless, Mariota’s interception kept Washington off the scoreboard. Denver’s defense ranks in the top 5 in every major defensive rating, including yards allowed and points allowed. Points are a premium for Washington to get an unexpected win against Denver.
Marcus Mariota is an 11-year pro. Those types of gaffes cannot happen.
