Ensuring Jayden Daniels avoids a sophomore slump is the most important task for the Washington Commanders this offseason, and the coaching staff has taken it seriously by undergoing work to change three key things about their star quarterback’s game.
Those changes were detailed by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer on Monday, June 23. He explained how a meeting with “Taylor Kelly, the coach at 3DQB (and former Arizona State quarterback) whom Daniels works with in Orange County,” laid out the ways the Commanders want Daniels to change.
Tweaking the Offensive Rookie of the Year’s mechanics has involved “refining his lower body movement on certain throws—something quarterbacks are always working on—was one thing. Working on some specifics on throws to Daniels’s left, and his arm angle on those throws, was another.”
Breer also outlined the way offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury “and the rest of the offensive staff resolved to condense the offense and grow the things the Commanders did well, and throw out some of the things they didn’t in 2024. The idea was to get razor sharp, rather than too complex, with the offense’s strengths, giving the players the spring to hone that.”
Pinpointing what Daniels does well and having him employ laser-level focus on those things is smart coaching, but the Commanders also need the player to do his bit to maintain an upward surge.
Fortunately, Daniels has obliged by altering his physical profile and unifying his teammates around the collective need to improve.
Commanders Smartly Avoiding Complacency With Jayden Daniels
Simplicity has been the key to how the Commanders set Daniels up for success in the NFL. Kingsbury did his part by changing some elementary concepts to manufacture quick throws and big plays for his young signal-caller.
The decision to further streamline the offense is a smart one. Diversifying the playbook may offer more flexibility, but it would risk overloading Daniels and his changing supporting cast.
A paired-down playbook is also another way to play to Daniels’ strengths and hide his weaknesses. That’s the art of good coaching and the best way for the Commanders to preserve their prized asset.
It helps to have versatile after-catch playmakers like All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel around to make Daniels’ job easier. A great example of how simply the Samuel and Daniels dynamic can work was provided by this short throw and catch and run filmed at minicamp.
mama there goes that man
Samuel will be a key weapon, but he’s not the only new skill player at the disposal of Daniels. A rookie wide receiver has legitimate breakout potential, while a late-round running back is already threatening to usurp the starting role in the backfield.
Getting everybody on the same page will be crucial, so it’s good news Daniels is already taking charge.
Jayden Daniels Embracing Change
Being receptive to change has accelerated the progress Daniels has made so far this offseason. It’s also helped the 24-year-old take his responsibility as a leader seriously.
This was manifested when “Daniels had teammates out to Oregon for a passing camp before all that, and plans to have them in California for another one before training camp starts,” per Breer.
Helping key teammates get up to speed is a great way for Daniels to put what he’s been refining into practice. Receivers need to acclimate to any changes in their QB1’s throwing motion and velocity.
The latter is something to keep an eye on after Daniels added muscle to his frame. Kingsbury noted the difference more bulk made to how fast and forcefully the ball came out during OTAs.
It’s just one more way Daniels is not resting on his laurels after taking the pros by storm in 2024. Both he and the Commanders are determined not to waste their best chance to remain credible Super Bowl contenders for the foreseeable future.
