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Marcus Mariota’s costly blunder results in Commanders turnover

Originally posted on DC Sports King
By King W. Motley III | Last updated Nov 30, 2025 11:28 PM ET

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.

Why did Mariota throw this?pic.twitter.com/JzNEmHQFbn
— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) December 1, 2025

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

Just an absolutely terrible decision by Marcus Mariota.
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) December 1, 2025

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

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 (@john_keim) December 1, 2025

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.

This article first appeared on DC Sports King and was syndicated with permission.

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