Jayden Daniels has spearheaded a remarkable renaissance within a sleeping giant after the Washington Commanders selected the quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. But their Week 6 loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football proved that he is human after all.
Daniels had some exceptional moments at Northwest Stadium. He turned on the style over the second half, dragging the Commanders back from another deficit into the lead.
Then, disaster struck. Daniels fumbled the football for a second time in the game, and this time he didn't get it back. Chicago seized the initiative, driving far enough downfield for veteran kicker Jake Moody to drill the game-winning field goal as time expired.
Commanders need a positive response from Jayden Daniels after costly Week 6 blunder
This botched play was entirely out of character for Daniels. He's usually ruthlessly efficient in the clutch, but not in this instance. The dynamic signal-caller took full responsibility, acknowledging his overall performance wasn't up to the required standard while also making no secret about his bounce-back intentions.
"I just lost the ball — completely my fault. Didn't give Bill a chance, so it was my fault. I get paid to go out there and focus play in and play out and I had a lack of focus right there, and it cost us the game. I didn't play as I should, how I hold myself to, so I'll be better."Jayden Daniels via NBC4 Sports
This isn't exactly breaking news to fans. Anyone who was watching could see that Daniels was at fault, and it's worth noting that the LSU product had been warned about ball security earlier in the contest.
Daniels dropped the football trying to escape the pocket, but it fell gratefully back into his grasp. He didn't get as lucky when the Commanders needed just one yard to ice the contest potentially, and Washington's fortunes are now hanging in the balance at 3-3.
The Heisman Trophy winner took accountability. Daniels put the Commanders in a strong position, and he failed to come through in the clutch. These things happen, but how the player and his teammates respond in Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys will be crucial.
There is a chance for Daniels to have a field day versus Dallas' league-worst defensive unit. Although being on the road and having a shorter preparation week isn't ideal, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year is well-positioned to help Washington produce a positive response.
Everyone makes mistakes, but Daniels has the elite-level mindset to shake it off and focus on the next challenge with minimal fuss.