The Washington Commanders are heading into their Christmas Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys with more questions than answers-especially under center. With veteran Marcus Mariota potentially sidelined and Jayden Daniels officially shut down for the remainder of the season, head coach Dan Quinn is sticking to his plan. And frankly, it’s the right move.
At 4-11, the Commanders are well out of playoff contention. There’s no upside to rushing Daniels back into action, even if he gets medical clearance. The focus now shifts to 2026 and beyond, and that starts with protecting the long-term investment in their rookie quarterback.
Jayden Daniels: Electrifying Talent, But the Hits Are Adding Up
Daniels gave Washington fans plenty to be excited about in his rookie campaign. His dual-threat ability brought life to an offense that’s been searching for identity. But with that explosiveness came a concerning trend-he’s taking far too many hits.
According to CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles, Daniels was contacted on 11.7 plays per game across his seven appearances this season. That’s the third-highest rate among quarterbacks, trailing only Justin Fields and Justin Herbert.
And it’s not a new issue-last year, Daniels led the league in contact per game at 12.4. For a mobile quarterback, some contact is inevitable.
But these numbers are red flags.
Daniels’ competitiveness is part of what makes him special. He’s the kind of player who fights for every inch, refuses to slide unless absolutely necessary, and keeps plays alive with his legs.
But that same fire can be a double-edged sword. In the NFL, durability isn’t just a trait-it’s a requirement.
And if Daniels wants to be the long-term answer in Washington, he’s going to have to evolve.
The Next Step in Daniels' Development: Controlled Chaos
Nobody’s saying Daniels should stop using his legs. That would be like asking Steph Curry to stop shooting threes.
His improvisational ability is a weapon, and it was a huge reason he looked so dynamic in Year 1. But there’s a difference between using your mobility to extend plays and putting yourself in harm’s way unnecessarily.
This is where coaching comes in. The offseason will be crucial for Daniels and the staff to work on situational awareness-knowing when to slide, when to step out of bounds, and when to just live to fight another down.
It’s about learning the art of calculated risk. It’s about realizing that sometimes, the best play is the one that avoids contact.
Daniels himself called his recent shoulder injury a “freak accident,” and he’s not wrong. He’s been relatively durable throughout his college career and early NFL stint.
But he’s not built like Cam Newton or Josh Allen. He doesn’t have the frame to absorb consistent punishment, and that’s where the concern lies.
Even Lamar Jackson, who’s similar in size and style, had to learn how to avoid unnecessary hits to stay on the field.
A Rude Awakening, But Not a Red Flag
This season was a learning experience-no sugarcoating it. The Commanders struggled, and Daniels took his lumps.
But that’s part of the rookie journey. The key now is how he responds.
The potential is obvious. The arm talent, the poise, the playmaking-it’s all there.
But the next step in his development isn’t about throwing mechanics or reading defenses. It’s about self-preservation.
Finding that balance between aggression and caution will be the difference between a flash-in-the-pan rookie campaign and a long, successful NFL career. Daniels has the tools. Now it’s about refining the instincts.
The Commanders are banking on his evolution. And if he makes the right adjustments, those writing him off after a bumpy first year might be eating their words by this time next season.