Third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels is playing well. It's not perfect, but he is way down the Washington Commanders' list of problems through the first half of 2026.
But with the Commanders facing a must-win game against the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football to keep their NFC East championship hopes alive, Daniels needed to deliver a top-tier performance under the prime-time spotlight.
Daniels has had ups and downs this season. Another dislocated elbow cost him two games, and there have been glaring lapses in concentration in key moments. Some have accused the signal-caller and offensive coordinator, David Blough, of not being on the same page, so they have to get their act together quickly.
The Commanders were aiming to make up for their egregious overtime blunder during a disastrous first meeting with the Giants that ended in a tie. Daniels took significant heat for that, and given his competitive nature, the scars probably run deep.
It was now or never for the Commanders. Big games need big players, and with the in-form Cincinnati Bengals next up on Monday Night Football, nothing but supreme conviction from Daniels would suffice.
As it turned out, Daniels and the Commanders finally came through when it mattered most, giving their season life when hope was fading rapidly.
With that in mind, here are five major observations from Daniels' Week 10 performance at MetLife Stadium.
Major observations from Commanders QB Jayden Daniels' performance against the Giants
Jayden Daniels' trust in his playmakers
Not having second-team All-Pro wide receiver Terry McLaurin to depend on is a hammer blow. His rapport with Jayden Daniels is renowned, but they haven't been on the field together all that much over the last two seasons. Adjustments were needed, and the signal-caller compensated by spreading the wealth throughout his primary playmakers.
Daniels was keen to keep the New York Giants on their toes. Almost everyone got in on the act, with Chig Okonkwo and Ben Sinnott also making plays from tight end.
The surgical precision with which Daniels gets the football out on time gives his pass-catchers a chance on almost every play. And when the game was on the line, the 2024 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year relied on Stefon Diggs to deliver in the biggest moments.
Not for the first time in his career, the four-time Pro Bowler delivered.
It's a sign of Daniels' growing trust. This isn't just about his weapons, but also about offensive coordinator David Blough's scheme and the protection in front of him. There were some errors, but the Commanders have seemingly found their recipe for success moving forward.
Nobody can replicate what McLaurin brings to the table. But if the Commanders adopt this collective approach over their remaining eight games, they should still be productive.
And Daniels' accuracy will always keep them in the fight.
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