Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Dan Orlovsky said what no Commanders fan wants to admit about Jayden Daniels

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated Oct 24, 2025 12:00 PM ET

Jayden Daniels is an electrifying player. The Washington Commanders quarterback plays on the edge, and he's not afraid to take hits in pursuit of gaining extra yardage despite his slender frame.

That's a testament to his competitive nature, but it's becoming a problem.

Daniels is set for his second spell on the sidelines after suffering a low-grade hamstring strain against the Dallas Cowboys. He's been ruled out for Monday Night Football versus the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8, which is the third game he's missed in 2025. And head coach Dan Quinn didn't confirm for sure when he'd get back involved.

Nobody is pressing the panic button just yet. But quarterback-turned-ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes that Daniels' latest complication should force the Commanders to accept some harsh truths.

Dan Orlovsky believes Commanders and Jayden Daniels need to make adjustments

Orlovsky stated that this latest issue might prompt the Commanders to alter the way Daniels conducts his on-field business slightly. Whether that's in the plays called by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury or his overall style remains to be seen, but the respected pundit doesn't think this ongoing risk can continue for much longer if Washington wants to emerge as a playoff powerhouse.

Second time this year he's going to miss time because of an injury. Is it going to impact the way that they call plays? Is it going to impact the way that he plays, stylistically? And can they have the season that they kind of expected coming into this year, too? I'm hoping he's going to be healthy as soon as possible, but I do believe it's going to have a butterfly effect of how he plays.Dan Orlovsky

"About everything that could go wrong so far for this team has gone wrong."

—Field Yates on the Commanders' injury-ridden season. pic.twitter.com/4o2ZqWbtLn
— ESPN (@espn) October 22, 2025

There is some truth to it. Daniels needs to weigh the risk versus the reward better when it comes to absorbing punishment from defenders looking to take him out. He's not a great slider, and there are times when it seems like the signal-caller is actively seeking contact. At the same time, completely depriving him of mobility and creativity would be foolish.

This is about finding a happy medium. Keeping Daniels out of harm's way is almost impossible. But teaching him to slide more effectively while getting the football out of his hands even quicker might be the smart way to go moving forward.

The Commanders are not going to get very far without Daniels leading the charge. It's a tricky situation, but ensuring the player's longevity while maintaining his explosiveness should be something both sides are willing to compromise on.

Because the last thing Washington needs is for Daniels' health to become an ongoing concern.

This article first appeared on Riggo's Rag and was syndicated with permission.

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