5 bold predictions for Commanders QB Jayden Daniels in Week 2 vs. NY Giants
By Dean Jones
Jayden Daniels gets Terry McLaurin over 100 yards
If the Washington Commanders want to improve on their Week 1 loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they must get their talisman involved more. Terry McLaurin was almost an innocent bystander in the first half before eventually finishing with two receptions from four targets for 17 receiving yards. That's nowhere near good enough.
McLaurin developed some encouraging chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels this offseason. The undisputed leader on offense had no trouble challenging the rookie signal-caller over the summer, who responded accordingly. The pair pushed each other encouragingly, so to see this blossoming relationship fail to reap immediate rewards was disappointing.
Things would have been different had Daniels not missed McLaurin on a deep gain, but it wasn't to be. Kliff Kingsbury needs to make him the focal point within his schematic plans against the New York Giants, especially considering he's gained 61 receptions for 783 receiving yards, three touchdowns, 12.84 yards per reception, and a 73.5 percent catch success rate in nine contests versus the G-Men throughout his career.
If Daniels and McLaurin hit it off in Week 2, getting the wideout over 100 receiving yards is a bold yet attainable target.
Jayden Daniels averages 8.5 yards per carry
Jayden Daniels is an electrifying player with the football in his hands. He knows it too.
One could make a strong case for Daniels being overly reliant on his running ability in Week 1. When the first read wasn't there, he tended to take off. While he gained tremendous success to secure 88 rushing yards and two touchdowns, it's not sustainable moving forward.
Finding the right balance is key. Daniels needs to trust his football intelligence rather than trying to do everything himself. Picking and choosing his spots is crucial. The New York Giants will be expecting him to run the football heavily, so counteracting this is crucial if the Commanders want to achieve success in Week 2.
There's nothing to suggest that Daniels cannot use his legs to the team's advantage. It's something opposing defenses will game-plan specifically for. Providing a sense of confusion through accurate throwing at all three levels of the field is only going to open things up further.
If Daniels can get the passing game going early, bigger holes will arrive. He might not rush 16 times, but securing around 8.5 yards per carry means he'll be scrambling rather than running by design.