Slight adjustments can help Jayden Daniels spearhead Commanders' playoff tilt

   

Jayden Daniels was a big part of why the Washington Commanders were able to squeak out a win at the New Orleans Saints. It wasn't a perfect performance, but it was just enough to get the job done.

It's the home stretch of the Commanders' regular season. The entire team must stay laser-focused to ensure their playoff spot. They are within touching distance, but nothing is confirmed yet.

One thing that Daniels and the offense struggled with earlier on in the season is red zone efficiency, especially during road games. The Commanders were able to convert a touchdown on two out of their three trips inside the 20-yard-line against the Saints. The other led to a field goal.

A big reason for this improvement was the connection between Daniels and Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Even on a busted play, the rookie quarterback knew he could still trust his most dependable weapon to produce the goods. The wideout's two scores lent further weight to his All-Pro claims.

Maybe the biggest positive trait Daniels has is his ability to extend plays. The Heisman Trophy winner does this every game. He made some key moments happen through sound pocket navigation and keeping his eyes downfield.

Jayden Daniels must adjust slightly to help Commanders' playoff push

On the first touchdown of the game, Daniels scrambled out to his left, slipped on the cutback, and was still able to set his feet to find McLaurin. The player's rushing prowess was also evident, especially on a huge third-and-long that resulted in a first down.

That won't be as easy versus the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend. Daniels must pick his spots effectively rather than becoming too reliant on one area.

There were three plays against the Saints where Daniels had a wide-open McLaurin for a house call and missed him each time. The game would not have gotten as close as it did if one of those connected. This cannot happen this weekend against a formidable Eagles defense.

The good news is these misses are likely an outlier. Daniels and McLaurin tend to always connect on deep shots. Whether Kliff Kingsbury can scheme the wideout open with much else to scare the Eagles' secondary is another matter.

The Saints had eight sacks against the Commanders this past Sunday. Several of those were just as much on Daniels as they were on the offensive line

Instead of stepping up in the pocket, Daniels likes to step out. He can make this work due to his athleticism. However, the former LSU standout needs to alter his approach slightly in the face of a phenomenal Philadelphia defensive front led by the interior tandem of Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.

Daniels is well on course to make the playoffs and secure NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after a memorable campaign. Keeping his foot on the gas and making some slight adjustments should help the Commanders get over the hump.