The Indianapolis Colts won't take on quarterback Jayden Daniels in London, England, in Week 4. The Washington Commanders have ruled him out with a left elbow injury. That might not mean all the happy things for Indy that it might imply.
Daniels is capable of excellence, of course, but he isn't the best QB in the league. Plus, his backup, Marcus Mariota, has been around the NFL long enough not to be shocked by anything a defense is trying to do. Mariota's offense just put up nearly 30 points against a great Seattle Seahawks defense, too.
Washington defeated Seattle 33-31, but one of the Commanders' touchdowns came on an interception return for a TD. Mariota was still effective enough to beat one of the better teams in the league, and he could do so again if Indianapolis doesn't play disciplined defense.
Washington Commanders rule Jayden Daniels out of Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts
Against the Seahawks, Mariota completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also ran the ball five times for 11 yards, including picking up an important first down late in the game. Mariota might not be capable of explosive plays, but he also isn't likely to put his team in a bad position, either.
The quarterback will also take a few chances deep down the field, as he did a couple of times against the Seahawks. One of those passes was a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
The Indianapolis Colts should have been in a good spot to win the game whether Jayden Daniels played or not. Washington's pass defense is atrocious, and while Indy doesn't have wide receiver Alec Pierce because of a heel injury, quarterback Daniel Jones should be able to lead an efficient passing attack to score enough points to win the game.
Indianapolis's defense also played at a level in Week 3 that the team hoped it would be entering the season. Washington shouldn't be able to follow the same path that the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs did against the Colts in Weeks 1 and 2, respectively, because Marcus Mariota isn't Lamar Jackson or Patrick Mahomes.
Neither is Jayden Daniels. While any NFL quarterback can do good things, Indianapolis has the advantage in almost every way in Week 4. That hasn't changed just because Daniels has been ruled out. The Commanders might have a slightly less prolific offense without their starting quarterback, but Indy probably didn't have any fear entering the game with or without Daniels being available.
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