# Commanders vs. Seahawks: Marcus Mariota's new approach

> Veteran backup Marcus Mariota simplifies play to replace Jayden Daniels.
- Title: Commanders vs. Seahawks: Marcus Mariota's new approach
- Summary: Veteran backup Marcus Mariota simplifies play to replace Jayden Daniels. Marcus Mariota focuses on playing within the system after replacing Jayden Daniels…
- Keywords: marcus mariota, seahawks, commanders, jayden danials, nfl, washington commanders, seattle seahawks, david blough, defensive coordinator, news, local, Marcus
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/sports/commanders-nfl/washington-commanders-seattle-seahawks-marcus-mariota-YYBYQEGCY5DLJPU3SXUXEPGKF4
- Author: Kevin Reynolds
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:54:41.356+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: marcus mariota, seahawks, commanders, jayden danials, nfl, washington commanders, seattle seahawks, david blough, defensive coordinator, news, local
## Marcus Mariota's new approach
Veteran backup Marcus Mariota takes over for franchise star Jayden Daniels this season.

> I was kinda looking back on it and reflecting and I thought, '[Don’t] overstress and like, hey, go and play within the system'
## Simplifying play this season
Mariota focuses on playing within the system after throwing seven interceptions to 10 touchdowns last year.

> I was coming in trying to just make a play and I was kind of putting on this Superman cape
## Different offensive approach
Washington built offense around Daniels' unique running and passing ability this offseason.

> Part of the backup role is you kinda fill the needs [of the offense]
## Short-handed offense
Starting right guard Sam Cosmi in concussion protocol and tight end Chig Okonkwo out since Week 1.

> We’re not reflecting on what we don’t have right now. There’s no time for that
## Stopping deep passes
Commanders' secondary struggled with long passing plays against Cowboys and Eagles.

> Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb went for over 150 yards and two touchdowns last Sunday
## Jaxon Smith-Njigba challenge
All-Pro Jaxon Smith-Njigba torched Arizona for 155 yards and three touchdowns.

> It was an amazing run for him last year, and to see some of the same things already taking place for him this year
## Terry McLaurin's role
Washington hasn't seen Terry McLaurin's usual output with 44 receptions and 1,127 yards.

> We continue to do right longer and he will reap the harvest of continuing to be detailed
## What happens next
Commanders aim to simplify offense and fix communication to beat Seattle Seahawks.

> We are certainly gonna do everything we can to put our guys in the best position possible to beat Seattle
## Key takeaway

Marcus Mariota focuses on playing within the system after replacing Jayden Daniels as Washington's quarterback.