Why Jayden Daniels 'absolutely' has something to prove following disappointing season

Daniels was simply sensational in his rookie season, completing 69% of his throws for 3,568 yards with 25 TDs and nine interceptions. Additionally, his dual-threat ability was clear with 148 carries for 891 yards and six TDs.

The 2025 season was completely different with numerous injuries hampering his physical abilities and leading to a missed playoff appearance that led to the franchise parting ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Now, with new OC David Blough joining the fold and head coach Dan Quinn returning for another season, all eyes will be on Daniels as he makes his return and looks to return to the version of himself that had the Commanders one win away from the Super Bowl in the 2024 season.

However, with the setbacks last season, it will be interesting to see how Daniels adapts to the new-look offense that is expected to keep him under center more than he has been accustomed to. 

It is also important to keep in mind that former No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III, another talented rookie at the time with high expectations in a Washington uniform during the 2012 season, suffered a devastating knee injury that completely altered the rest of his career.

While Daniels has not even made his return to the field yet, that does not mean his NFL trajectory will be anywhere near what Griffin dealt with. However, it is a reminder of what this Commanders fan base has been through before with a similar dual-threat QB who appeared destined to turn the franchise around.

How Daniels performs primarily under center could be worth keeping an eye on if that is the direction the Commanders go. Regardless, this was one of the best signal-callers in the league during his rookie season, and there is no doubt he will return looking to prove that he still has it and is the right guy to lead this Commanders franchise back to another playoff appearance.