Jayden Daniels is looking to silence some increasing doubters this season. And one respected former quarterback-turned-analyst is confident the Washington Commanders' new offense under David Blough can provide the spark that propels him to new heights.
Daniels has the talent. One look at his 2024 rookie campaign for the ages is enough to tell you that. But after missing so much time last season, everyone seems to have forgotten just how special he is.
Chase Daniel doesn't believe that will be the case for much longer.
Chase Daniel believes Commanders' new offense can propel Jayden Daniels in 2026
During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Daniel stated that the new combination of Daniels and offensive coordinator David was easily the most he was looking forward to around the league this season. The pro-style concepts, innovative ideas, and having the Arizona State product under center much more often will be key to his revival.
It's a lot to ask, and it's a new offense. But the way Daniels effortlessly goes through his progressions and the added use of motion had Daniel incredibly confident.
Let's hope he's right.
"This is gonna be a new look offense for the Washington Commanders..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 3, 2026
You're gonna see a lot more at the line of scrimmage from Jayden Daniels..
The way he gets thru his progressions is excellent"@ChaseDaniel #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/UP07A3hbPD
Daniels was out of sight, out of mind last season, which is a tale as old as time with injured NFL players.
It was made worse by the success of other quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class.
Drake Maye reached the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots. Bo Nix would potentially have been there with the Denver Broncos instead, if not for an unfortunate injury during the playoffs. Caleb Williams led the Chicago Bears back to the postseason, while Washington's franchise player completed just four games.
Everyone knows how high the stakes are for Daniels this season. He's on a redemption mission, and the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft will also be extension-eligible after the campaign. And having fresh critics to shut up should be all the motivation he needs to bounce back.
Staying healthy is key. If Daniels can do that, good things will follow.
Jayden Daniels is ready to remind the world just who he is
The Commanders took a massive gamble this offseason by choosing Blough as the man to replace Kliff Kingsbury. He's got no play-calling experience, and wasn't even a permanent quarterbacks coach in Washington until Tavita Pritchard took the head-coaching job at Stanford. It's a risk, but Daniels' growth was at the forefront.
Blough thinks his system can help Daniels excel. He won't need to be Superman; not with a much-improved supporting cast and an offense that plays to his strengths. Losing five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil isn't ideal, but the dynamic dual-threat still has the skills required to take off again.
If it goes wrong, questions will be asked. Heads may even roll, and Daniels will have to wait for a lucrative contract extension that could come in anywhere between $50 million and $70 million per year.
But this bold strategy just might work.
Fans are concerned about the lack of momentum Washington built over the final two weeks of summer. Daniels was on the field for one failed drive in the preseason, with some believing he needed more reps after missing so much time in 2025.
That isn't an opinion shared by those in the building, and once Blough gets the green light to open up his offense, a different side of this unit will be shown.
Daniels will lead the charge. He's had a different look in his eyes this summer, displaying the determination and resolve that everyone has willingly followed. If this translates into the regular season, the Commanders will be much more competitive.
And Daniels' doubters will be silenced for good.
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