Just a few weeks ago, the Washington Commanders were one of the hottest teams in the NFL.
At 7-2 after Week 9, they were off to their best start since 1996, leading the NFC East. However, back-to-back losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles created what some are calling a “Pennsylvania Nightmare,” leaving the Commanders at 7-4. Now, they’re clinging to the seventh and final NFC playoff spot as they prepare for consecutive home games against the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans.
Adding to their challenges, the Commanders are facing questions about the health of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The No. 2 overall pick, signed to a 4-year, $37.7 million deal, hasn’t looked like the dynamic player he was earlier in the season.
One theory is that Daniels may still be affected by a rib injury sustained in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers, which sidelined him for nearly the entire game.
“(Daniels), who set a record with an 82.1 completion percentage through the first four weeks of a season, ranks 28th in completion percentage at 59.5 over his last four games,” wrote Ben Standing of *The Athletic* on November 19. “Overall, Daniels completes 68.7 percent of his attempts and has three interceptions. Only four of his 14 offensive touchdowns have come during this stretch, and his rushing production has plummeted.”
Commanders Head Coach: Daniels Not Injured
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn firmly defended Jayden Daniels, dismissing any claims that injuries have contributed to the quarterback’s recent struggles.
“Let me be clear and upfront: Jayden is not injured right now,” Quinn emphasized during a November 18 press conference. “However, we did lose critical practice time with him and his teammates when he was sidelined earlier. That’s tough for everyone involved because practice is an essential part of our process. We don’t have extra reps to rely on, so we’re eager to get back to a full week of regular practice sessions. Over the past few weeks, we’ve had to piece things together in smaller increments.”
Daniels Hasn’t Shown He Can Be Only Pocket Passer
Jayden Daniels might eventually develop into one of the NFL’s elite pocket passers, but that’s not where his strength lies at the moment. For the Commanders to succeed, Daniels must pose at least a credible threat as a runner to keep defenses on their toes.
When Daniels takes off with the ball, he transforms into one of the league’s most electrifying players — not just among quarterbacks — and a legitimate MVP candidate.
Through 11 games — effectively 10, given his brief appearance against the Panthers — Daniels has amassed 482 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.4 yards per carry. However, his ground production has fallen sharply in the past two games, with just 23 yards on 10 carries, compared to no fewer than 35 rushing yards in any of his first nine outings.
Daniels’ rushing prowess was on full display during his final season at LSU in 2023, where he racked up 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns in 12 games, averaging a remarkable 8.4 yards per carry.
The Commanders will face the Cowboys and Titans at home before heading into a much-needed bye in Week 14, giving Daniels and the team an opportunity to regroup.
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