5 major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance against the Titans

Jayden Daniels has gone through a slump in recent weeks. The supporting cast around the quarterback hasn't shone and he's suffering as a result. That had to change if the Washington Commanders wanted to head into their bye week on a high.

Daniels faced another difficult contest before his extended rest period. The Tennessee Titans gave Houston Texans signal-caller C.J. Stroud untold issues in Week 12 en route to a surprising victory. They have gifted players at all three levels of the field, so nothing but improved tempo and supreme execution would suffice.

The Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU remains a franchise presence under center. Daniels was always going to encounter struggles as a rookie at some stage. How he fights back in the face of adversity will tell fans a lot about what they can expect from the dual-threat weapon long-term.

There was an enormous amount of pressure for Daniels to produce the goods and lead his team to an eighth win of the season. As it turned out, the signal-caller looked back to his old self as the Commanders got back to winning ways with minimal fuss.

With this in mind, here are five major observations from Daniels' performance in Week 13 at Northwest Stadium.

Major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance against the Titans

Jayden Daniels' early rhythm

Getting into an early rhythm was critical for the Washington Commanders and Jayden Daniels in this one to alleviate the doubts surrounding them after three straight losses. They answered the call emphatically.

The Commanders were in relentless mood to begin the contest. They ran riot over the Titans right out of the gate in all phases. This allowed Daniels to dictate the tempo and play with the free-flowing nature fans had come to expect earlier in the campaign.

Washington relied heavily on the running game to set the tone. Once this was firmly established, Daniels had enough space to do damage in the passing game, carving open the Titans and going through his progressions effectively behind a much-improved offensive line.

This calmed the nerves of everybody. Fans were wondering if the Commanders had run their race this season after a sensational first half of 2024. But as long as Daniels is given this foundation to thrive, they'll be a match for anybody.

Jayden Daniels' flawless first half

Jayden Daniels was able to keep up a tremendous start throughout the first half. The LSU product was almost flawless as the Washington Commanders steamrolled the Tennessee Titans en route to a convincing 28-7 advantage at the interval.

The Commanders' offense had a nice balance. Kliff Kingsbury ran the football effectively, was methodical in the passing game, and took shots downfield when needed. Daniels was in complete control throughout, demonstrating exceptional poise and precision to keep the chains moving effectively.

Daniels had conviction in the red zone. He rushed for a touchdown and found Terry McLaurin in the end zone twice for good measure. It was the morale boost everyone was looking for after things not going well offensively over the last month.

This improved production was reflected in Daniels' first-half stats, which were a major step in the right direction.

• 93.33 percent completion
• 105 passing yards
• 2 passing touchdowns
• 0 interceptions
• 1 sack against
• 30 rushing yards
• 1 rushing touchdown
• 135.4 passer rating (ESPN)

Daniels had his mojo back. And the Commanders were better off for it.

Jayden Daniels' confidence

As stated previously, there was notable hesitancy around Jayden Daniels' play during Washington's most difficult stretch of the season. The standard of defensive opposition increased, but the signal-caller wasn't looking for excuses. At the same time, he needed to prove this was a blip rather than anything too concerning.

Daniels was more assured in this one. It's pretty hard to read his demeanor considering it stays the same more often than not. However, the Cajon High School product was feeling himself looking at the swagger with which he was going about his business.

When Daniels radiates confidence, it envelopes his teammates. Everyone started to believe again. In that sense, it was a mission accomplished by the signal-caller.

There was a different aura around Daniels compared to previous weeks. It showed in his performance. It also inspired everyone else and made the fans feel more at ease than they've done in some time.

The Tennessee Titans shot themselves in the foot - a lot. That doesn't detract from the youthful exuberance and positive mentality that Daniels brought to the table from start to finish.

Jayden Daniels let the game come to him

There is a tendency for players to start forcing the issue when things aren't going well. This bears more significance for younger players, who sometimes become too eager to impress and end up making more mistakes as a result.

That wasn't the case with Jayden Daniels in Week 13. He's got an old head on rookie shoulders. Instead of coming into the contest with agitation, the No. 2 pick let the game come to him.

This approach is normally associated with seasoned veterans rather than those looking to make their way in the league. It's another sign that general manager Adam Peters made the right call by bringing him into the fold.

Daniels took what the defense gave him. He got the football into the hands of his primary playmakers on time and with care. He protected the ball aside from one wayward interception. The signal-caller also controlled the flow and made full use of the rushing attack's success.

The Tennessee Titans tried valiantly to keep Daniels contained in the pocket. But in all honesty, the dual-threat wasn't interested in running all that much. He was doing more than enough damage as a pocket passer who took everything in his stride.

Jayden Daniels' efficient afternoon

There was a shaky moment for the Commanders early in the second half. They lost momentum and the Tennessee Titans smelled blood. Jayden Daniels put a stop to that quickly with a dominant drive that all but sealed the contest.

This typified Daniels' efficient afternoon at the office. There was nothing too spectacular from the signal-caller. There was no need for a Hail Mary or anything remotely miraculous. He just made plays when it counted and got the Commanders back on the right foot.

Accuracy, composure in the pocket, and the ability to avoid pressure were key factors behind his improved efforts. Daniels looked like the signal-caller we saw earlier in the campaign. He'll also have a period of extended rest during the bye to reflect and recuperate before the business end of the campaign.

Kliff Kingsbury deserves praise for his strategy throughout the game. He didn't put too much on Daniels' shoulders initially, allowing the rookie to get into his groove and make things happen. This is the recipe for success that must continue down the stretch.

Daniels can take great heart from this showing. He easily disposed of a decent enough defense. Keeping this going after the bye should get the Commanders into the postseason.

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