Commanders OTAs: Dan Quinn points out key factor in Jayden Daniels' growth over the past few weeks
The Washington Commanders are back on the OTAs train after a week off, so naturally, there was plenty to ask Dan Quinn and co. when they spoke with the media on Wednesday.And, naturally, there were plenty of questions about Jayden Daniels and how much he's progressed since the Commanders held rookie minicamp on May 10-12.Quinn […]
The Washington Commanders are back on the OTAs train after a week off, so naturally, there was plenty to ask Dan Quinn and co. when they spoke with the media on Wednesday.
And, naturally, there were plenty of questions about Jayden Daniels and how much he's progressed since the Commanders held rookie minicamp on May 10-12.
Quinn specifically mentioned one area of growth that should have the coaching staff excited and should excite Commanders fans all over: And that's Daniels' growth and comfort level in the offense's two-minute drills.
"I think the situation work, we've been working really hard on, and so, some of the timing and mechanics are different from college in a two minute setting than it is in the NFL," Quinn told reporters. "So to see, every day, him going through those mechanics out of two minute… at the end of the half working down in a clock situation, where it's still moving on the first down and that type of urgency. Seeing him being comfortable in that environment, I would say that's one example of many that shows the work that he's put in."
The last few words talking about Daniels' work ethic should come as no surprise, as that's one of the many key traits that helped him win the Heisman Trophy and become the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. But, still, to hear the work ethic translating on the field is very encouraging – especially in a key situation like a two-minute drill.
We all know how the NFL is referred to as a game of inches and most games are determined by one possession. Therefore, it's imperative for teams and players to find ways to perform at their highest level in the most clutch of moments.
"Knowing that, about 70% of our league, the games are eight points or less, it kind of speaks to the importance of what can happen at the end of the half or the end of the game and so much of that can tie in, you know to special teams and how you're working that part of things," said Quinn.
"[We have] all three phases working together and we're really trying to dig in on those… we've been really pleased with the work that the guys have been putting into that spot."
The Commanders passing attack was one of the worst during two-minute drills in 2023
Per Sports Info Solutions, when down by six points or less with two minutes to go in the second and fourth quarters, the Commanders passing attack averaged -0.62 EPA/att. Only the Cincinnati Bengals (-0.83 EPA/att) fared worst.
So, there's only way to go for the Commanders passing attack and that's up. However, with Daniels now in the picture, it's fair to wonder just how high up the ladder things can go.
Washington has yet to name him the official starter, but if Daniels can continue to show off in clutch situations such as this, then, it shouldn't take too much longer for him to be named "the guy" for the 2024 season and beyond.
