Much has been made about the Washington Commanders offense heading into the campaign. But if quarterback Jayden Daniels puts together a full campaign without any injury problems, they will always have a chance against almost anybody.
Daniels only featured in seven games last season, completing just four. He's now healthy and working hard to silence his increasing doubters. While the supporting cast is somewhat concerning, the Commanders are quietly confident the scheme changes under offensive coordinator David Blough will have the desired effect.
That's to be determined. But either way, the Commanders will only go as far as Daniels takes them next season and way into the future.
Jayden Daniels holds the key to Commanders' resurgence on offense
This is a quarterback-driven league for a reason. They get paid the most, and the fate of games rests squarely in their hands. Daniels' talent needs no introduction. So many injury problems last season weren't ideal with momentum on his side, but everything is in place for a legitimate bounce-back this time around.
The Commanders are placing significant faith in Daniels, and for good reason. He's the dynamic dual-threat quarterback with an elite arm and even better athleticism. And if he can get back to anything like his rookie form, Kristopher Knox of The Bleacher Report believes Washington could eventually have one of the league's most dynamic offenses.
"If (Jayden) Daniels can stay healthy and get a boost from offseason additions like Rachaad White, Chigoziem Okonkwo, and Antonio Williams, he should provide Pro Bowl quarterback play and help Washington field one of the league's most dynamic offenses."
Daniels has got that fire back. He's worked exceptionally hard over the offseason, setting high standards for himself and his teammates. This intensity will be ramped up even more over training camp, though it remains to be seen whether the former LSU standout will be risked during the preseason.
It would be wise to get some live-fire reps into Daniels for a series or two. Chemistry is everything, and this is a new offense being installed by Blough. Every little helps, but making sure he's ready to hit the ground running when Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles arrives is all that matters.
In many ways, the Commanders probably have better options around Daniels than his rookie campaign. Their offensive line is much improved. The running back dynamic looks a lot sharper, and the wideouts have promise. If the signal-caller can reach those heights, Washington's offense is going to take off.
And if Daronte Jones' more aggressive, creative defense meets its end of the bargain, don't be surprised if the Commanders return to playoff contention.
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