"We are not who we think we are": Marcus Mariota makes bold admission about Commanders after 5-game losing streak

Marcus Mariota didn’t hide behind excuses after Washington’s latest defeat. Following Sunday's 44-22 loss to the Detroit Lions, the quarterback admitted that the Commanders must confront who they’ve become during a five-game skid.

With Jayden Daniels sidelined due to a dislocated elbow, Mariota had his fourth start of the season.

Mariota didn’t mince words when he addressed the media.

“We have to be honest and we have to be transparent," Mariota said. "I don’t think we are who we think we are.”

JP Finlay

@JPFinlayNBCS

Mariota - We have to be honest and we have to be transparent…I don’t think we are who we think we are

The Commanders (3-7) haven’t held an opponent under 25 points since Week 5.

Frustration builds as Marcus Mariota & Co. continue downward spiral

Detroit Lions v Washington Commanders - Source: Getty

Marcus Mariota highlighted that frustration is inevitable when expectations collide with the reality of a losing streak. The Commanders, who defeated Detroit in the divisional round 10 months ago, looked like a different team in Sunday’s rematch at Andover, Maryland.

"Everyone's frustrated, upset," Mariota told reporters on Sunday. "Those are emotions you want to feel at this point."

Mariota delivered one of his most efficient outings of the campaign. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns, along with 22 rushing yards. Mariota also posted a season-best 133.3 passer rating. He was sacked twice but avoided turnovers.

The Commanders were without multiple playmakers. Daniels missed his fourth straight game, while Terry McLaurin sat with a hamstring injury. Receivers Noah Brown and Luke McCaffrey remain on injured reserve.

In their absence, Mariota distributed the ball to eight different targets, with Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz combining for 83 yards and a touchdown. Treylon Burks led the team in receiving with 58, and second-year tight end Ben Sinnott added a four-yard score.

Detroit scored on each of its first eight possessions, jumping out to a 32–10 lead early in the third quarter. Lions coach Dan Campbell reclaimed play-calling duties. Jared Goff threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns, while Jahmyr Gibbs powered the ground game with 142 yards and three scores.