For the third time this season, former Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota will be starting for the Washington Commanders . This time, it will come in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium with the nation watching, as the game will be broadcast on Monday Night Football on ESPN.
Starter Jayden Daniels has dealt with a litany of injuries this season, with the latest being a low-grade hamstring strain that isn't considered to be long-term, yet will keep him out of Week 8's contest in Kansas City .
Enter the former Ducks passer, who started in Week 3 and led the Commanders to a dominant 41-24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders — one of Mariota's former teams. In the win, he completed 15 of 21 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown while adding 40 yards and an additional score on the ground. The Commanders deployed more read-option into their game-plan, using Mariota's speed to their advantage.
He started in Week 4 as well, with Washington falling, 34-27, to the Atlanta Falcons . Mariota was solid once again, going 16-for-27 and throwing for 156 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also carried the ball twice for 20 yards.
At 3-4, the Commanders are in must-win territory if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. It won't be easy for them to pull off a road upset over the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs, but Mariota's previous two starts should give the Commanders' coaching staff confidence that he can still perform on the big stage.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Marcus Mariota to start for Washington in Week 8 against Kansas City
