Jayden Daniels wasn't healthy enough to participate in Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs to conclude Week 8. The quarterback's presence was once again sorely missed as the Washington Commanders were left counting the cost of failed opportunities en route to yet another blowout loss.
Questions are being raised about this project's current direction. Head coach Dan Quinn's squad was expected to go deep into the playoffs again. However, injuries and the same flaws coming up almost constantly leave them at 3-5 with three games remaining until their bye week.
Daniels made the trip to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to support his teammates. The Commanders started well before tailing off dramatically in the second half. As is typically the case, the former LSU player's fun-loving persona never changed, prompting a comment from quarterback-turned-analyst Troy Aikman.
Troy Aikman takes cheap shot at Jayden Daniels for demeanor during Commanders' loss
The ex-Dallas Cowboys signal-caller cheekily called out Daniels by claiming that he was having a lot of fun for someone whose team was down two scores. It was a cheap shot, unnecessary and bitter in equal measure. Criticizing the No. 2 pick in 2024 with a veiled swipe at his personality in such a laughable way was a bad look, and it completely overlooked the way Washington's franchise player goes about his business.
He's the same no matter what. Daniels could be down two scores and playing, and his demeanor wouldn't change. He's always playing or watching football with a smile on his face. He's always trying to uplift his teammates, and they willingly follow his lead. This is matched by the poise, precision, and composure to come through in the most significant moments.
Aikman must have forgotten Daniels' exceptional rookie surge to spearhead Washington's renaissance. He picked this franchise up almost single-handedly to propel the Commanders to the NFC Championship game. One only has to see how this team is faring without him to realize how his persona and talent masked many problems.
There was no love lost between Aikman and Washington during his playing days. That hatred ran deep, and although a lot of time has passed since then, the Pro Football Hall of Famer can't resist the opportunity to take jabs when he gets the chance.
Any fans feeling frustrated by Daniels' conduct on the sidelines are missing the bigger picture. He's a beacon of positivity and calm when the situation demands it. When it's time to lock in, he delivers and drags everyone along for the ride.
Asking him to be something else is asinine.