"Needless to say, this is a game the Commanders should win. It's a game they absolutely must win. If they don't, any credibility around the league as a Super Bowl hopeful will instantly fall apart, and team morale could spiral out of control. Washington would be viewed as one of the season's biggest disappointments before September is even over. It's a label this team cannot afford."
"Veteran backup Marcus Mariota will be under center for the Commanders. Mariota is one of the most dependable backup quarterbacks in football, and he held his own when called into action last year against the Carolina Panthers. In that game, Daniels left early with a broken rib, and the former No. 2 overall pick of the Tennessee Titans passed for 205 yards and two touchdowns in a decisive victory."
"However, Mariota has been dealing with Achilles tendinitis in recent weeks, which held him out of all three of Washington's preseason contests. The Commanders are confident he is healthy enough to hold down the fort, but he might take a few drives to shake off the rust. It will fall on offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to make Mariota's job easier."
The Washington Commanders face a pivotal Week 3 matchup at home against the Las Vegas Raiders after a disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers. Multiple injuries have weakened the roster, including season-ending losses to running back Austin Ekeler and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., and ruled-out wide receiver Noah Brown and tight end John Bates. Franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss the game with a knee sprain, so veteran Marcus Mariota will start. Mariota has successful relief experience but has battled Achilles tendinitis and may need time to shake off rust. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury must simplify the game plan, emphasize the run, and protect Mariota to preserve momentum and credibility.
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