Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Marcus Mariota brutally confirmed what Commanders fans already knew

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated Nov 10, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The Washington Commanders are spiraling into the proverbial abyss once again. A season that saw fans anticipating another playoff run has descended into complete chaos, and the Detroit Lions had no trouble piling even more misery onto this demoralized franchise in Week 10.

Washington wasn't anywhere close to keeping this competitive. The offense actually played pretty well under challenging circumstances, but Joe Whitt Jr.'s inept defense continues to be a significant stumbling block holding them back.

It was yet another gut-wrenching reality check. And in the defeat's immediate aftermath, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota brutally confirmed what fans already knew.

Marcus Mariota admits the Commanders are not who they thought

Mariota's honesty was commendable. He stated that the Commanders need to realize they are not who they thought they were. Perhaps they got caught up in the adulation after reaching the NFC Championship game last season. Still, the experienced signal-caller called on his teammates to return to the same urgency that had led to considerable success.

In order to get things going in the right direction, we have to be transparent. We have to be honest. And I don't think we are who we think we are. With that being said, it's a quick turnaround. It's a trip to Europe. It's an opportunity for us to kind of dive in together. I believe in this brotherhood. I believe in the guys in the locker room. But like I said, there's got to be a sense of urgency, and I think our guys know that.Marcus Mariota

Mariota - We have to be honest and we have to be transparent…I don’t think we are who we think we are pic.twitter.com/LSy7eZgsF5
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) November 10, 2025

Everyone can see it. Mariota is the one who said it.

The Commanders went all-in on winning the Super Bowl this offseason, relying on aging veterans and bold acquisitions. Injuries haven't helped, but there are not many players who have exceeded expectations through the opening 10 games of the campaign.

Mariota was one of the very few who emerged from this latest capitulation with any credit, earning an impressive 133.3 passer rating and 82.8 QBR for trying valiantly to keep Washington's hopes alive. Others didn't live up to their end of the bargain, and the cracks are reaching the breaking point.

Washington's playoff hopes are long gone. They have a better chance of getting a top-five draft pick , and fans are quickly turning their attention towards what could be a make-or-break offseason for general manager Adam Peters. Until then, the players must keep plowing forward with their futures on the line.

This is all about salvaging some semblance of positivity from a highly disappointing campaign. And if the locker room didn't get Mariota's message, they should.

This article first appeared on Riggo's Rag and was syndicated with permission.

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