Jayden Daniels has taken some significant criticism over the last week after the Washington Commanders' overtime botch in Week 5. But San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan knows exactly what he's up against when the two teams clash on Monday Night Football.
Nobody expects the Commanders to get anything from their prime-time showdown, their final game before the bye week. But with Daniels under center, they are never truly out of the fight.
Shanahan knows it. And he is treating the Commanders with respect thanks to Daniels' supreme playmaking ability under center.
Kyle Shanahan knows Commanders must be taken seriously with Jayden Daniels
He's right to do so.
Daniels returned to the lineup against the New York Giants and didn't miss a beat. It took him a little while to get on time with his receivers, but when the No. 2 pick in 2024 was in the groove, the G-Men had no answer.
The most pleasing element was Daniels' mobility. Fans were concerned about how restricted he would be playing with a brace on his dislocated elbow. He wasn't bothered by it, and he wasn't thinking about it.
That is an immensely positive development. If the same trend continues, the Commanders will be more competitive.
At a time when the Commanders' fortunes are teetering, this is desperately needed.
The Niners are the toughest team they've faced yet. Shanahan's squad is undefeated at 5-0 and looking like a real Super Bowl contender. They are heavily favored to pick up a sixth straight win, but the coach isn't taking anything for granted against Daniels.
Commanders need Jayden Daniels at his very best to stand any chance against 49ers
Shanahan believes Daniels can be the very best. His pocket presence and rushing ability make him the total package, and his poise has also caught the coach's eye since he entered the league.
"Jayden's got a chance to be one of the better quarterbacks in this league, without a doubt. You take away the running element of him, just the way he plays in the pocket. So natural with how accurate he is. How strong his arm is. How poised he is going through progression. How fearless he is hanging in there and taking a hit.
"He's got the speed and the coordination to win games only with his legs. He's got all the tools to be as good as there is."
High praise, indeed.
Shanahan is one of the NFL's elite offensive minds. He constantly gets his team on point despite the plethora of injuries he seems to have to deal with every year. His praise for Daniels means something, and everyone in Washington agrees.
While some in the media have questioned Daniels in recent days, those around the league still see him as the same force. One lapse in judgment won't define him, and there's real resolve to right this wrong and get the Commanders trending upward.
The Niners will be ready.
They are a formidable obstacle to overcome. But in a way, being underdogs can help the Commanders play with an extra sense of freedom, with no real pressure or expectations on their shoulders.
And if Daniels gets into the swing of things right out of the gate, who knows what could happen.
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