5 major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance vs. the Steelers
By Dean Jones
Jayden Daniels was let down
In a game such as this, no one player can do it alone. Jayden Daniels probably wanted to have some throws back, but the Washington Commanders quarterback wasn't aided by some costly mistakes from his primary playmakers aside from wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
It was almost a comedy of errors in key moments. Dyami Brown dropped a lay-up touchdown. Olamide Zaccheaus capped off a miserable afternoon with a costly error when a big gain was right in front of him across the middle. The same applied to the normally dependable veteran tight end Zach Ertz, who also fluffed his chance with a first down there for the taking.
This was unacceptable. Had it not been for McLaurin and Noah Brown's ability to make plays, things would have been far worse. And yet, the Commanders were in with a chance of winning the game late.
These mental mistakes might go unnoticed against the teams Washington is now expected to beat. That's not the case with contending clubs. Daniels was putting it into the right spots, but he was let down too many times.
Jayden Daniels fell just short
It looked like Jayden Daniels was on course to lead another game-winning drive. The quarterback didn't have it easy, which followed the contest's overall trend. But he made some critical throws to give the Commanders a fighting chance.
This was a game of inches, literally. Daniels threw a strike to veteran tight end Zach Ertz, who looked like he had the first down on a 4th-and-long before turning back on himself to see the call go against him. The signal-caller did his part, but it wasn't enough.
It typified the close-fought game between the two and how things unfolded for Daniels. This was the first game where he needed more help than usual. It didn't arrive.
Daniels did relatively well in difficult circumstances. This was the best defense he'd faced since entering the league. There were no heroics this time.
There is no time for the Commanders to wallow in self-pity. They have a short turnaround before a crucial divisional clash with the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football. Daniels and his teammates must bounce back accordingly.
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