Third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, for the most part, has had a productive season for the Washington Commanders, despite the team's lack of success. Still, there's more he could be doing, and frustration has set in as the offense has slumped in recent weeks.
Daniels had a mixed outing against the Los Angeles Rams, completing 24 of 35 pass attempts for 274 yards and a touchdown. But he also recorded his first turnover of the season, a lost fumble, and did not look comfortable in a pocket that offered little protection.
Offensive coordinator David Blough has taken the brunt of the criticism for Washington's offensive struggles. And Daniels' comments in the media room this week suggested there might be some regret over the decision that led to his promotion.
Jayden Daniels highlights telling Commanders' growing pains under David Blough
Daniels, in the most diplomatic way possible, told reporters exactly what everyone in Washington is thinking. Blough is a project at offensive coordinator, and for that reason, the Commanders aren't where they need to be right now.
"He's first-time coordinator, so he has growing pains that he's going through. It's not going to be perfect as much as you want it to be, but we're still continuing to stick to the process and really just going from there."
Daniels had a strong relationship with former coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who called the plays during his sensational rookie season in 2024. But Washington moved on after the 2025 campaign due to philosophical disagreements with head coach Dan Quinn, and Blough was promoted from within the ranks.
So far, this looks like a mistake.
Kingsbury wasn't the answer for Washington moving forward after his system was badly exposed last fall. But maybe, at least at this stage of Daniels' development, neither was a 30-year-old who was only the team's assistant quarterbacks coach a year ago.
David Blough may not have been what Jayden Daniels needed after all
Reading between the lines, it's obvious that Daniels would rather not have to wait for his coordinator to figure things out.
He is supposed to be emerging into one of the league's bona fide superstars right now. Instead, there are simply too many variables holding him back.
It's not all Blough's fault by any means. Washington's offensive line is horrendous. Top wide receiver Terry McLaurin is hurt. The Commanders are getting very little help from their offensive backfield.
But you can only work with what you have. Blough has not made Daniels' life any easier, and it's clear that the quarterback is less than thrilled with the current state of his situation.
Maybe things would be better under Kingsbury. Maybe they wouldn't.
But starting all over again with a first-time play-caller doesn't seem to have been the move.
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