‘I’m certain he will get there’ – Dan Quinn knows there’s one important thing Jayden Daniels must do moving forward
Dan Quinn knows Jayden Daniels is growing and learning.
The Washington Commanders have been riddled with injuries, and that includes the one you never want to see: your franchise quarterback.
Jayden Daniels took a big shot last year, which ended up breaking his ribs, and he’s already taken too many hits to start the season. He ended up missing the last two games with a sprained knee, but he’s making his return this week in his homecoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The hits aren’t sustainable, though, and he has to protect himself moving forward to make sure he’s available for the team.
Jayden Daniels has to protect Jayden Daniels
Of course, the offensive line is responsible for blocking and protecting Daniels, but it’s also on him to be smart and know what plays to make and when. Daniels is the ultimate competitor, and we’ve seen that since he was first drafted, but sometimes it’s not worth the risky plays. He took seven sacks in the first two games and way more hits in and out of the pocket.
The downside of being an elite rushing quarterback is that you’re giving your body more chances to be hit in space, and while on the run, making injuries more likely to happen. Head coach Dan Quinn knows that Daniels has to protect himself more now that he’s making his return, but he’s confident that it will happen.
“Yeah, that’s an area that we want to really make sure you constantly talk it through,” Quinn said. “So even though he’s done tremendously through the first year, he’s still a young player and there are still things to grow and learn. One, to let that play go, that might be a throwaway, or that’s one to slide and get down. So those are the lessons that you want to keep digging on. As you said, you don’t want to take away from the competitive nature and when he can extend, but just the decision making when those come, and it’s not something that he takes carelessly. We just gotta keep pushing, keep reminding. I’m certain he will get there.”
Jayden Daniels will be wearing protective gear
The best way to help protect an injury is by wearing some extra gear, and Daniels will be wearing a notable knee brace for the first time in his career. He said earlier in the week that he would do whatever it takes to come back, including wearing the knee brace, even if he isn’t the biggest fan of it. He was seen wearing the brace at practice, which Quinn said he will wear on Sunday.
He looks comfortable moving around with the brace, and we will have to see how much Daniels runs against the Chargers, but I wouldn’t expect many designed runs, if any. The Commanders need to establish the run, let Daniels sit in a clean pocket, and establish the passing game.
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