5 major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance at Eagles in Week 11
By Dean Jones
Jayden Daniels' indifferent first half
Fans were expecting a high-scoring affair between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles. Instead, the defensive units of both teams had the upper hand in no uncertain terms over the first half.
Jayden Daniels didn't get much going over the opening two quarters. The magnitude of the occasion and the finer margins attached against a formidable defense played a role. There was no time for the signal-caller to get comfortable, either.
Drops were an issue once again, but the player's accuracy was nowhere near the level expected within a much more conservative offensive strategy. This was reflected in Daniels' first-half statistics as the Commanders held a slender 7-3 lead at the interval.
- 62.5 percent completion
- 83 passing yards
- 0 touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 8 rushing yards (3 carries)
- 2 sacks against
- 80.0 passer rating (ESPN)
This wasn't the best half of football from anyone on either offense not named Saquon Barkley. Daniels can play better, the Heisman Trophy winner has proven that on countless occasions this season. He'll need to if the Commanders want to fulfill loftier ambitions and make the postseason.
Jayden Daniels' rib issue
There hasn't been much said about Jayden Daniels' rub injury lately. The quarterback suffered an issue that he's playing through on the opening drive against the Carolina Panthers. This was the first time since their win over the Chicago Bears that it seemed to genuinely bother him.
Perhaps it was the cold weather that exasperated the complication, but Daniels did not look like himself at all. There were very few shots downfield. The offense's biggest gains came from screen passes to running back Austin Ekeler. The same velocity on his throws that took the league by storm over the first half of 2024 diminished.
This mini-bye is coming at a good time for Daniels. It's the chance to get some extra rest and treatment to avoid similar troubles in the two games before Washington's long-awaited bye week. Hopefully, the upcoming stages of reprieve from the normal routine will do him the world of good.
The Commanders have gotten away with Daniels playing hurt for this long. They won't be so lucky when it's time to mix with the NFL's elite in the postseason if head coach Dan Quinn's men make it that far.