Why Commanders' Jayden Daniels has had 'a miserable feeling' for months

It's no secret that the 2025 NFL season did not go as quarterback Jayden Daniels and other members of the Washington Commanders had hoped. 

While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Daniels opened up about how he has felt following the second campaign of his young career. 

2025 season "sucked" for Jayden Daniels, Commanders

"It left a bitter taste in my mouth," Daniels said about the 2025 season, per John Keim of ESPN. "I mean, it sucked. ... [It was] a miserable feeling to not go out and do what I do on a daily basis and having setbacks."

The second overall pick of the 2024 draft, Daniels earned Offensive Rookie of the Year Award honors en route to guiding the Commanders to an NFC Championship Game appearance. At this time last year, some viewed Washington as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. 

However, physical setbacks limited Daniels to just seven starts last fall before he was shut down after he aggravated a previously suffered elbow injury. The Commanders finished the season with a record of 5-12, and the club then parted ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. 

Jayden Daniels seems to be a fan of the new Washington offense

The Commanders ultimately promoted assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough to serve as Kingsbury's full-time replacement. Blough and head coach Dan Quinn are expected to keep Daniels under center more than what the signal-caller experienced over his first two pro seasons.

"I love the offense. I love what Blough is doing," Daniels said. "Love how he's creating and designing different things. It's awesome to see his creative mind; we're building this thing together."

Previous reports suggested that Quinn may be on the hot seat following all that went wrong for the Commanders from September 2025 through this past January. As for Daniels, he seems to be welcoming the expectations that some have for him now that he's healthy.

"If you don't feel you have something to prove, then you shouldn't be in this profession," Daniels said.

If Daniels can quickly reclaim his best form and stay healthy while playing under Blough, the Commanders could once again compete for more than just a playoff berth as soon as this coming season.