The Washington Commanders figure to be a much different team than they were in 2025, when they struggled to a massively disappointing 5-12 record. Returning to a competitive state will depend almost entirely on quarterback Jayden Daniels bouncing back in Year 3.
In 2024, Daniels had one of the most electrifying rookie campaigns by a quarterback in NFL history. But this time around, he couldn't stay on the field and ran into his fair share of struggles even when he did play.
Next year will tell us which version of Daniels is the real one. It's up to him to prove his first season was no fluke, and he'll have to prove it with a change in coordinators as David Blough replaces Kliff Kingsbury. To one former Commanders quarterback, overcoming this will be his toughest task.
Alex Smith highlights the challenge of Jayden Daniels learning a new offense
Alex Smith sat down with ESPN's John Keim to share his thoughts on Washington's transition to Blough's offense, particularly what it means for Daniels. He pointed out that the former quarterback's history with minds such as Ben Johnson and Kevin O'Connell likely indicates he will run a more West Coast-style scheme.
For Daniels, it's going to require some quick learning.
"You've got to learn a whole new language... there's going to be new blocking terms, new protection terms, protection adjustments. Those can all compound for a quarterback; those calls come out really quick, and you've got to know them like the back of your hand."Alex Smith
Smith points out that not only will there be an adjustment with Blough, but the team's promotion of Darnell Stapleton to replace Bobby Johnson as Washington's offensive line coach will also heavily impact Daniels. The same can be said for D.J. Williams taking over as the quarterbacks coach.
It's a lot of responsibility on Daniels' shoulders. Ultimately, he is the only one who will control how he responds to it, and he has shown through his two seasons to be the type of player who is always willing to learn. For as fierce a competitor as he is, there has to be a bitter taste in his mouth that he can't wait to wash out.
There are never very many guarantees in the NFL, but one thing we can be certain of is that Daniels will be busy in the lab all summer long. A new challenge lies ahead, and he'd better be ready.