Jayden Daniels has a lot riding on this season. The Washington Commanders are counting on their quarterback to stay healthy and lead them to a bounce-back campaign, but he won't be able to do it alone.
But have the Commanders surrounded Daniels with enough?
General manager Adam Peters prioritized defensive reinforcements this offseason. The offense wasn't completely neglected, but it's clear what the Commanders' main priority was. And after watching Joe Whitt Jr.'s unit descend into the league's worst in 2025, there was no other call to make.
Jayden Daniels has Commanders' hopes in the palm of his hand once again
Daniels has a decent-looking group to depend upon. They might not be on par with some of the NFL's elite offenses, but they should be more competitive. With the former LSU star healthy and an innovative play-caller in David Blough leading the charge, things might be looking up.
The Commanders signed running back Rachaad White, tight end Chig Okonkwo, and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. They selected Antonio Williams in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Washington's cupboard isn't bare, especially with Terry McLaurin now healthy. But the loss of five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil will be sorely felt.
Everyone knows how good Daniels is. He dragged the Commanders from the abyss to the NFC Championship game as a rookie. With new doubters to silence, he'll be striving for the same again.
Fans are cautiously optimistic. Others are less convinced. ESPN insider Dan Graziano is among them, though he acknowledged Daniels not reaching similar heights might not be down to the player alone.
"This isn't about (Jayden) Daniels himself. He's an absolutely awesome player, and assuming he can get through the season healthy, I expect him to perform at a high level. It's what's around him that has me concerned.
"He has a thin and aging group of wide receivers. He has question marks at running back. And the offensive line issues, especially with left tackle Laremy Tunsil going down with a training camp injury, are too significant to overlook."
It's a fair assessment. Had Tunsil not torn his triceps during training camp, people across the league might be looking at the Commanders and Daniels a lot differently.
Sadly, that's not the case.
Even so, if the defense can improve and the Commanders keep games close, Daniels has already proven capable of getting them over the line.
Daniels is not lacking in motivation. He's heard all the criticism, and the dispute with LSU over his NIL made the signal-caller an easy target on social media through no real fault of his own.
Despite the constant questions, the No. 2 pick in 2024 is ready to let his football do the talking once again. And revenge is always a dish best served cold.
It's time for Daniels to remind the world who he is. He'll need help from his teammates, but there is more than enough quality for Washington to be a nice surprise offensively if everyone stays on the field.
For Daniels, talk is cheap. His actions speak far louder than words ever could.
And don't be surprised if those who have questioned Daniels' ability and longevity are eating a big slice of humble pie when it's all said and done.
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