The Washington Commanders geared up for their first day of organized team activities. But just before then, head coach Dan Quinn threw his support behind quarterback Jayden Daniels before a critical Year 3 once again.
Things will be different for Daniels next season. There is a new play-caller in David Blough. They've worked together over the last two seasons, but it's still a relationship in its early stages. There is also a scheme more in keeping with pro-style concepts for the former LSU standout to pick up.
The Commanders felt like change was needed. Quinn and Kliff Kingsbury no longer shared the same vision for the offense. Daniels is at the forefront of these alterations, and even though he had a strong connection to his first NFL play-caller, it's clear that something had to be done in pursuit of maximizing the signal-caller's rookie contract window.
Dan Quinn seeing a shift in Jayden Daniels amid Commanders' offensive changes
Quinn is already seeing a shift in Daniels. Picking up a new system and going about things differently is getting the dynamic dual-threat out of his comfort zone. The coach is seeing a flawless transition, which speaks volumes to his adaptability and inner drive.
"Learning a new system so quickly and fast. Saw that a few years ago, and I am feeling those same instincts now. More huddle. It'll look differently. You'll see him under center more, but you see the same intent, you see the same communication, the mental quickness. He makes things that are difficult look easy, and I know they're not."
Everything needs to go well this offseason. Daniels has more doubters to silence after featuring in just seven games last season. He wants to right the wrong, and he's clearly been putting in the work away from the team.
There is a long way to go, of course. But fans cannot be anything other than enthused about how Daniels is leading from the front.
Quinn can see the changes. He can still see things evolving encouragingly. He can see Daniels taking control within a system that should be able to bring even more out of him. And everyone is willingly following his lead.
Daniels will have heard all the talk around his durability. Drake Maye made the Super Bowl, and Caleb Williams made the playoffs while he was on the shelf last year. That no doubt stung, but it also gave him the motivation to make everyone remember why he was considered one of the league's best quarterbacks as a rookie.
And if the same trend continues throughout Washington's preparations for the new campaign, it'll be all systems go for Daniels and the Commanders.
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