Marcus Mariota proved on two occasions last season how valuable it was to have a reliable backup quarterback. First, in the Washington Commanders‘ Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers, Mariota relieved an injured Jayden Daniels, completing 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns in a 40-7 win.

In Week 18, with a playoff spot already clinched, Mariota relieved Daniels in the second half of Washington’s regular-season finale in Dallas. The Commanders were sluggish on offense against the reeling Cowboys. However, Mariota’s 33-yard run on fourth down on Washington’s final drive set up his game-winning touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin to give the Commanders a 23-19 win.

Mariota appeared in just three games, but was instrumental in two of Washington’s 12 regular-season wins. His performance on the field doesn’t take into account his leadership and mentorship of Daniels. Daniels praised Mariota numerous times last season and the two are close.

Fortunately for the Commanders, Mariota re-signed this offseason and is back for another season as the backup. Where does the former No. 2 overall pick rank among all NFL backup QBs?

Gilbert Manzano of Sports Illustrated recently ranked the best backups, and former Washington starter Kirk Cousins was No. 1. That’s fair because it’s possible Cousins will be traded and start for another team soon.

Remarkably, Manzano ranked Mariota seventh, behind names such as rookie Jaxson Dart, Mac Jones, Jake Browning, Daniel Jones and Jimmy Garoppolo.

As a backup, getting the starter prepared to play is just as important as keeping the team afloat when injuries occur. Jayden Daniels often praised Mariota for helping him throughout his sensational rookie season. Also, Mariota can still play, evident by his 205-yard performance in the blowout win against the Panthers after Daniels exited due to a rib injury. 

Serious question: has he watched some of these guys in recent years? Mac Jones? Really? Garoppolo? He looked finished two years ago.

This list is a reminder that all lists and rankings are subjective.