ClutchPoints
The Washington Commanders showed a lot of potential in 2024. Their then-rookie first-round quarterback, Jayden Daniels, had one of the best first-year seasons ever. En route to a Rookie of the Year title, Daniels had 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns through the air to go with 891 rushing yards and six more rushing touchdowns.
The former Heisman winner broke rookie records for points per game (28.5), completion percentage (69%), and QB rushing yards. He even led the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game. However, year two wasn’t nearly as pretty. Injuries limited Daniels to just seven games and 10 total touchdowns, and Washington ended the season 5-12. The receiving corps was inconsistent, and the defensive production fell off a cliff, so Washington needed some major changes in order to get back on track.
That change has come in a number of ways. The team prioritized defense in the 2026 NFL Draft, most notably with the first round selection of Sonny Styles, a linebacker from Ohio State whom many considered to be the best prospect in this class. Rachaad White was also added to take on the Austin Ekeler role that never really came to fruition last season, and David Blough was promoted to offensive coordinator.
According to ESPN, Blough will attempt to transform the offense into one that stylistically looks similar to what Ben Johnson has run with the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears. Caleb Williams was drafted one pick ahead of Daniels in the 2024 NFL Draft. He had an underwhelming rookie year in comparison to expectations and the success of the LSU product, but Johnson helped get the best out of Williams and Chicago’s offense last season.
The Commanders hope that a new-look offense will improve the rushing attack, and therefore take some of the pressure of Daniels’ shoulders. He has been forced to play hero ball far too often over his first two seasons, which played a part in his injury woes last year. An improved defense should help, too. Williams and Daniels will always be compared throughout their careers, and Blough’s offensive plans will only add fuel to that fire.
The post Commanders using Ben Johnson’s work with Caleb Williams, Bears as guide for Jayden Daniels appeared first on ClutchPoints.
