Jayden Daniels is now set for a considerable spell on the sidelines after dislocating his elbow in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Dan Quinn took full responsibility for leaving the quarterback in for too long, but that won't help the Washington Commanders in the short term.
Daniels wasn't playing that well even before going to the sidelines. He is trying to force the issue too much. The signal-caller masked most of Washington's failings last season, but he's been unable to do the same this time around.
The cracks have begun to show, and Daniels' injury problems haven't exactly assisted his cause, either. However, a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback said what fans are refusing to believe about the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Kurt Warner pinpoints what's gone from for Jayden Daniels and the Commanders
Kurt Warner, one of the most fascinating rags-to-riches stories in NFL history, put on the tape and came to one damning conclusion about Daniels. The ex-pro turned NFL Network analyst thought he wasn't seeing the field as well as he did as a rookie. He was keying in on one read, failing to go through his progressions effectively before taking off. It's a bad combination that has played a significant role in his regression.
"It is really amazing the difference in JDaniels [Jayden Daniels] in year 2! We often talk about sophomore slumps and they can definitely be real with teams having a better idea of how to stop you or your O and forcing you beyond your #1 more and more often. The hard part is it just doesn’t seem like JD is seeing the field like he did last year… holding ball… seemingly looking and not throwing to open #1 read… struggling to work through reads! Another example of this game being tough and guys on the other side get paid also… but it’s a bummer bc he was so incredible last season!"
Kurt Warner
It remains to be seen whether the Commanders will risk Daniels again this season. He didn't go to injured reserve with veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore and wide receiver Luke McCaffrey, which is encouraging. However, those in power are waiting on additional tests before reaching a decisive outcome.
Warner isn't wrong, for what it's worth. Things just haven't clicked for Daniels this season. He's not had a complete set of weapons to call upon, the running game is inconsistent at best, and the offensive line is shakier than expected. There is a competitive edge that feels the need to do everything himself, but the deck has not been stacked in his favor throughout.
This has to change urgently moving forward. Unfortunately for the Commanders, that might have to wait until 2026, because there is no point in placing Daniels in the firing line if the team's losing run continues.