Vintage Marcus Mariota performance helps Commanders stun Seahawks

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Vintage Marcus Mariota performance helps Commanders stun Seahawks

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 27, 2026 5:20 PM ET

The Washington Commanders entered their Week 3 matchup against the reigning Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks with all the odds stacked against them.

Washington was without star quarterback Jayden Daniels along with key players in Frankie Luvu, Nick Cross, Sam Cosmi and Chig Okonkwo.

The absence of all those players for the Commanders combined with having to face a returning Sam Darnold, and it seemed like it'd be a long and annoying afternoon for a winless Washington team.

Instead, though, backup quarterback Marcus Mariota decided he wasn't letting his team get to 0-3. Mariota delivered a vintage performance and helped secure a 33-31 upset win over Seattle.

Marcus Mariota played a stellar game

The stats aren't going to jump off the page, but Mariota delivered an outstanding performance when Washington needed it most.

He completed 19-of-31 passes for 183 yards with three touchdowns and a 110.1 passer rating. It's the first time Mariota has thrown for three touchdowns since the 2022 season, and his third down conversion sealed the upset for Washington.

Marcus Mariota just called game! @SEAvsWAS on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/rsIGdzozr9
— NFL (@NFL) September 27, 2026

Marcus Mariota is undefeated in his career as a starting QB vs. the Seahawks. Weird stat.
— Tim Booth (@ByTimBooth) September 27, 2026

Marcus Mariota gives Commanders a chance to remain competitive without Jayden Daniels

The production of many offenses around the NFL would decline when a backup quarterback is forced to play. For the Commanders, though, that hasn't been the case in the time that Mariota has served as the backup.

It was obvious on Sunday, as well as last season, that the Commanders offense can put up solid production when it is Mariota on the field rather than Daniels.

While the Washington fanbase certainly wants to see its star quarterback on the field again, having a trustworthy and reliable option in Mariota is something that should not be taken for granted.

What lies ahead for the Commanders?

Washington will have a quick turnaround in terms of travel, as it will prepare to head to London for a Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts.

The noteworthy thing to watch during the week will be the status of Daniels for that game. It is unlikely he plays on a short travel week, meaning that it would once again be Mariota getting the start at quarterback and looking for another win to get the Commanders to 2-2 after a dreadful first two weeks of the season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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