Mariota Defies Receiver Woes, Keeps Firing Downfield

As of November 16th, 2025, Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota is standing out for his aggressive downfield passing, even as his team has lost five consecutive games. Mariota is currently throwing passes of 10+ air yards at a 42.7% rate, the highest in the NFL.

This speaks to the offensive philosophy of coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who is not content with short, check-down passes. Kingsbury is pushing Mariota to keep attacking downfield, attempting to move the chains and loosen up opposing defenses. This approach has helped the Commanders' running game, which led the league in yards per carry through the first five weeks.

However, Mariota's deep passing has had to overcome significant challenges. The Commanders' wide receiver group has struggled with injuries and difficulty getting open, forcing Mariota to rely on tight end Zach Ertz and rookie receivers like Jaylin Lane. Even star wideout Treylon Burks, who had a strong game last week, is now sidelined with a broken finger.

Despite the Commanders' overall struggles, Mariota's willingness to keep firing downfield has been a bright spot. As the team looks to turn things around, his ability to stretch the field could be a key factor in reviving their offense.