The NFL playoffs continue this weekend with the divisional round, where Hawai‘i’s own Marcus Mariota will serve as the backup quarterback for the Washington Commanders as they take on the top-seeded Detroit Lions on Saturday. NFL Network analyst Steve Wyche, who is in Honolulu for the Polynesian Bowl broadcast, praised Mariota’s role as Washington’s ideal QB2. The 10-year veteran has stepped up when needed this season, going 2-0 as a starter while mentoring rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. “Well, he’s been perfect because, remember, he was the second overall draft pick when he came out, as was Jayden Daniels,” Wyche said. “So they already have that connection. He can help Jayden temper expectations and uplift him when needed. But Marcus isn’t the type of guy to overwhelm anyone—he’ll stand back, interject when necessary, and also show him how to practice and train like a pro. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rob DeMello KHON (@robdemello) “When it was his time to come in and play, we know how good he is. He’s done it before, he’s got a history, and he stepped up without letting the team down. That allowed them to secure the No. 3 seed in the NFC.” In the 2025 season, Mariota has made three appearances, throwing for 364 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions while completing 77% of his passes. He has also rushed for 92 yards on 18 carries with one touchdown. In last week’s wild-card win over Tampa Bay, he was used on a critical third-down play, picking up two yards to move the chains. Marcus Mariota's presence has provided leadership, confidence for quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Commanders ▪️ NFL Network's Steve Wyche spoke about the importance of the QB2 role in the postseason ahead of Washington's divisional round game against the Lions this weekend… pic.twitter.com/ym8ZMgBQZv— Rob DeMello (@RobDeMelloKHON) January 16, 2025 Mariota’s reliability gives Washington confidence as they advance deeper into the postseason. Wyche pointed out how crucial it is for a team to have a capable backup quarterback, referencing the San Francisco 49ers’ struggles when Brock Purdy was injured in the NFC Championship Game two years ago. “Marcus can come in and continue to win ballgames,” Wyche said. “They know he understands the playbook, but he also understands situations and the magnitude of the moment. That’s hugely important for those other ten guys in the huddle—to know he’s got the checks, he’s got all of this. Let’s go out there and execute. The Commanders and Lions will face off Saturday at 3 p.m. HST, with the game airing locally on KHON2. Wyche, meanwhile, will be in the broadcast booth alongside Hawai‘i’s Kanoa Leahey and former Punahou & Notre Dame star Manti Te‘o for the Polynesian Bowl on Friday at 4 p.m. HST at Kamehameha Schools. The game will be televised nationally on NFL Network.