Jayden Daniels will make his triumphant return to the Washington Commanders' starting lineup this weekend against the Los Angeles Chargers. It's a California homecoming for the Cajon High School graduate, and he'll be striving with everything he has to pick up a much-needed win versus Jim Harbaugh's squad.
Easier said than done. However, the New York Giants provided the blueprint on how a mobile quarterback can hurt the Chargers during their bombshell upset win in Week 4. That won't go unnoticed by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, and the play-caller is confident that there will be no fundamental limitations on Daniels when the time comes.
And make no mistake, the Commanders are counting on it with their aspirations looking increasingly precarious.
Commanders don't believe Jayden Daniels will have any limitations, and they better be right
Kingsbury revealed that the Commanders were overly cautious with Daniels. They didn't want him out there while he was unable to maximize the unique skill set he brings to the table. Now, everything is pointing up, and the former Arizona Cardinals head coach is eager for the No. 2 pick's presence to give everyone a massive lift when they need it most.
"I think that’s really why we were overly cautious with him. We didn’t want to put him out there until he can be Jayden. That’s what he’s going to be. That’s how he’s going to play. Jayden’s a unique talent. The way he plays, moves, throws, he’s generational. So any time you get him back out there, it’s going to lift up your team."Kliff Kingsbury via FOX Sports
Kingsbury better be correct in his assessment. The last thing Washington needs is Daniels being hesitant or worse, suffering another complication to his knee that results in a more prolonged spell away from the gridiron.
The Commanders cover every base. They leave nothing to chance, and they've had no problem saving Daniels from himself over the last fortnight. If he's out there, it's because there is 100 percent conviction that there won't be any more problems.
Daniels has been itching to get back involved. He's been more agitated than usual in front of the media, which is saying something. The former LSU phenom loves the game and loves this team. Watching from the stands or the sidelines doesn't sit well with such a competitive figure. Marcus Mariota has been a steady presence in his absence, but the dynamic shifts completely with the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year behind center.
After having to navigate some rough waters at the quarter pole, Daniels' return is the morale boost everyone associated with the franchise needed. And if Kingsbury is right, it'll be all systems go at SoFi Stadium.