Commanders' Dan Quinn Scouts Shocking Quarterback Performance in Blowout Win

Washington Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota had barely sat down on the sideline bench at the beginning of the first quarter before he was called into action.

With Jayden Daniels suffering a reported rib injury on the offense's first drive, Mariota was forced to step into Kliff Kingsbury's offense and ensure an upset against the Carolina Panthers wouldn't happen.

And it didn't take long for the Commanders to stamp their authority on the contest, racing out to a 27-0 lead as Mariota was dealing through the air and on the ground.

For head coach Dan Quinn, he was pleased for Mariota to be able to step in and perform the way he did.

"I'm really proud of Marcus," Quinn said . "It's been a tough start to it, IR, getting an injury, and so for him, to come back and see that poise in the game, there was no flinch, and this [Daniels injury] happened early, after the very first drive for the offense for him to go in and go. So, I tip my hat ... if your moment gets called, your ready to deliver for the team, and he was able to do that."

"Efficient'' would be the word to describe Mariota against the Panthers. ... unless you want to go with "shocking.''

He would complete his day going 18 for 23 for 205 yards and two touchdowns, plus 34 yards from 11 carries on the ground.

The Commanders were well aware of the potential banana skin the Panthers game was, but Quinn made a point midweek not to take them lightly, and they didn't.

Related: Without Injured Jayden Daniels Commanders Dominate Panthers, 40-7

Now at 5-2, the Commanders will wait to see the severity of Daniels' injury, although the quarterback was seen smiling and waving to the crowd as he emerged from the locker room after halftime.

And they won't be the only ones smiling, Mariota will too, after his sublime efforts in a game he had no intention of playing in.