Jayden Daniels’ lone drive exposes Commanders’ greatest concern

Washington cannot rely upon Jayden Daniels to escape everything

Left tackle Laremy Tunsil and center Nick Allegretti did not play Saturday. Their absence changed the offensive line considerably and prevents the opening series from offering an accurate preview of Washington’s starting offense.

It also exposed what could happen when the starters are unavailable.

Julian Good-Jones replaced Allegretti at center, and the offensive line never appeared comfortable during Daniels’ brief appearance. That is a problem Washington must address before roster decisions are finalized.

Offensive line depth is easy to dismiss until somebody gets hurt. Then a backup is standing between a franchise quarterback and a 270-pound edge rusher with terrible intentions.

Daniels can escape pressure better than most quarterbacks. His legs helped transform Washington’s offense early in his career, and opposing defenses must account for him on every snap.

That ability cannot become an excuse for poor protection.

Asking Daniels to rescue broken pockets every week invites additional hits and increases the physical burden placed on Washington’s most valuable player. He should be creating problems for defenses, not cleaning up problems created by his own offensive line.

Commanders have one priority above everything else

Washington received encouraging performances elsewhere during its 17–13 loss. The defense collected five sacks and forced two turnovers despite playing without several starters. Quan Martin intercepted a pass for the second consecutive game, while Amik Robertson forced the fumble that produced Washington’s only touchdown.

Athan Kaliakmanis also helped himself in the competition behind Daniels. He completed 11 of 14 passes for 162 yards and moved the offense far more effectively than Washington did early.

Those developments are useful. They are also secondary.

The Commanders added established weapons around Daniels because they believe this offense can help carry them deep into the postseason. Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs give Washington an accomplished receiving combination. That investment loses much of its value if Daniels cannot wait for routes to develop.

Saturday did not prove that Washington has a disastrous offensive line. It showed how quickly the operation can fall apart when key blockers are removed.

The loss will be forgotten before September. Daniels taking a sack on his second preseason snap should stick with Washington considerably longer.

Protect him first. Sort out everything else afterward.