Jayden Daniels and the Commanders have questions to answer
Fans were deeply concerned that Jayden Daniels was coming back too soon. He's the ultimate competitor, and it's hard to sit a player for five games if they are medically cleared to participate. But after reaggravating the problem, serious questions must now be asked of head coach Dan Quinn, the medical team, and the quarterback.
Did Daniels force the issue? Is Quinn under that much pressure that he gambled with the player's health? Did the medical team feel almost obliged to clear him for contact after participating in two straight practices? There is no telling for sure, but this is apparent mismanagement whichever way one looks at it.
Just why Daniels thought chasing Andrew Van Ginkle was a good idea is anyone's guess. He needed to be smarter. The chances of him bringing down the edge rusher were remote in any case. This is a prime example of a lack of awareness that could have protected him, which is why he's missed so much time this season.
Quinn must have been happy with the medical reports and his progress in practice. What the head coach needed was for his quarterback to realize the seriousness of his predicament and adjust accordingly. Instead, his carelessness once again became his demise.
That's an ongoing problem.
Commanders need to save Jayden Daniels from himself
Jayden Daniels is not going to alter his playing style in a short timeframe. And if the dynamic quarterback is not going to assess risk more efficiently, the Commanders need to take matters into their own hands.
Daniels needs saving from himself. The comparisons with Robert Griffin III, although immensely unfair on everyone involved, are not getting any quieter. But unlike that situation, this one can still be salvaged.
Just not this season.
It's a lost cause. The Commanders are on an eight-game losing run and have nothing left to play for over the final four contests. With Daniels suffering more elbow problems, the time to take him out of the firing line for good should be strongly considered, regardless of whether he declares himself healthy.
Because he clearly isn't. And the Minnesota Vikings exploited this weakness ruthlessly en route to a convincing victory on home turf.
A lot of people in Washington need to take a long, hard look in the mirror. They must recognize this situation for what it is and make the tough choices necessary. If that means making Daniels unhappy by sitting him down, so be it, but things cannot continue like this for much longer.
Daniels will be in Year 3 of his rookie contract next season, and the Commanders look further away from a Super Bowl than ever.