In his make-or-break third NFL season, quarterback Jayden Daniels has become a polarizing player for the Washington Commanders. He's done a lot of things well, but the team is 0-3-1 with him in the lineup, and his flaws have been the topic of much discussion.
Daniels continues to struggle with the injury bug, while his awareness and situational management have been raked over the coals ad-nauseum in the past two weeks.
After the way he took the league by storm two years ago, it's understandable that some were expecting him to be further along in his development by now.
Jayden Daniels is protecting the football, and that matters to the Commanders
But Daniels still gives fans all the long-term hope in the world, and one reason is something that never gets talked about with the 2024 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Through four games in 2026, Daniels has yet to lead the Commanders to a win. But he also hasn't thrown an interception or lost a fumble, which lines up with an impressive trend of ball security throughout his career.
David Blough on Jayden Daniels with no INTs... ever a point where he could make a riskier throw: "His superpower is how he protects the ball. ... never want to take that away from him.... happy where he's at; always room to improve."
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 29, 2026
Daniels has accounted for only 14 turnovers over his three seasons, with 48 total touchdowns. For a player who runs as often as he does and isn't afraid to throw downfield, that's exceptionally impressive.
If we're making sweeping statements about Daniels' game management based on a few situational bloopers, we need to bring this up as well. Ball security is a critical skill for a quarterback, and he's shown he can sustain it.
Of course, some quarterbacks never turn it over because they play too conservatively. But offensive coordinator David Blough isn't concerned about that with Daniels.
Daniels doesn't shy away from his shots. His accuracy on deep passes leaves room for growth, and he's been prone to missing open reads, but he doesn't play hero ball. He doesn't throw hare-brained interceptions in key moments because he's trying to do too much.
And this is the stability Washington needs if head coach Dan Quinn wants to get out of his concerning slump.
Daniels is a poised passer who can move his offense in multiple ways. And if we're discussing why the Commanders have struggled to win games with him under center, his risk-taking is the last thing on the list.
If anything, it's the catalyst that can inspire improvements for the Commanders, starting this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football.
The Commanders are entering the easiest part of their 2026 schedule. As long as Daniels keeps the ball, the wins will come.
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