Hogs Haven
A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders
We’re tracking Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels through stats, stories and quotes during his anticipated rookie season.
Win or lose, the Washington Commanders’ season probably will be measured by the development of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The No. 2 draft pick has the potential to change the franchise’s woeful QB history and hypercharge the team’s rebuild.
Each week we’ll track Daniels’s on-field progress.
Daniels again appeared a shell of himself on a night that raised more questions about his health. He finished 22 for 32 passing for 191 yards with one touchdown and one interception, good for an 81.6 passer rating. He ran for only 18 yards and took three sacks. His right hand was left mangled and bleeding from a new injury, while his left ribs were still bruised from a hit he suffered weeks earlier.
The specific play — quarterback Jayden Daniels tackled for no gain on an outside run — involved the rookie not shouting loud enough for the snap as 70,000 opposing fans roared. Offensive linemen weren’t on the same page, and there was general awkwardness from a group that’s been a model of efficiency throughout the season.
The play call from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury appeared to send Daniels on the move. The result was messy across the board.
Daniels said center Tyler Biadasz’s delayed snap resulted from the quarterback needing to “be louder with the cadence.” On the bobbled snap, multiple linemen went right. Right guard Sam Cosmi turned left.
The lane opened allowed penetration from Eagles tackle Jalen Carter, which forced Daniels to make a wider turn. As he approached the sideline, defenders were waiting. Washington is now 12-of-14 on fourth-down attempts this season.
Some background reminds us that the Commanders led 7-0 and could have gone into the locker room up by seven. This is where the game changed, not the failed 4th & 2 in the final quarter.
When the Commanders could have made a statement, the Eagles rose up and drove 87 yards in 15 plays, settling for a field goal to close the half, down only 7-3.
On their first possession of the second half, the Eagles drove 74 yards before again settling for another Jake Elliott field goal, making it 10-6. After a Tress Way punt, it was another long drive, this one 76 yards in 11 plays, which gave the Eagles the lead for good at 12-10.
When the Commanders turned the ball over on downs, the Eagles exploded down the field 74 yards...
