Jayden Daniels throws three touchdowns
Jayden Daniels is coming under increasing scrutiny. The rookie quarterback's sensational start to the campaign has tailed off dramatically. His performance versus the Dallas Cowboys was arguably the worst of his professional career so far.
There's hesitancy where once there was nothing but conviction. The timing seems off with his playmakers despite returning to practice fully after a rib issue. Nobody is pressing the panic button just yet, but this would be a good time for Daniels to remind the world why he was shoo-in to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year once upon a time.
Daniels needs to dig deep and show the correct resolve. He needs help from everyone around him on offense. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury needs to be aggressive immediately in pursuit of making things happen.
The Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU has the skills needed to spearhead the Commanders into contention once the options around him improve. Until then, Daniels must take on the primary responsibility as Washington's running attack deals with injury issues.
Throwing three touchdown passes would be a good place to start.
Commanders win by 10+ points
This wouldn't have been a bold prediction just a few short weeks ago. Commanders fans saw this fixture as one they could easily get a result from. That's not the case anymore.
It's funny how quickly things can change. The Commanders went from an NFC East title favorite to a borderline playoff team in the blink of an eye. Losing three straight will do that, so head coach Dan Quinn and his players must respond accordingly before their long-awaited bye week.
The Titans won't be doing them any favors. They have a new sense of relaxation and are progressing encouragingly. Their shocking win over the Houston Texans in Week 12 will only raise confidence in the pursuit of knocking off another major scalp.
All the pressure is on Washington, make no mistake about that. They're in a high-stakes situation and the team's margin for error has evaporated. Nothing but improved conviction and collective purpose will suffice.
If everyone executes their assignments and the Commanders start well, they have more than enough to get the job done comfortably.