Jayden Daniels’ long-awaited NFL debut with the Washington Commanders did not necessarily go according to the team’s expectations: They lost their away game in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a landslide 37-20.
It’s worth noting that Daniels didn’t have a bad performance, but there were moments where there could have been stops or plays that the Commanders could have used to try and win the game. It was known that the Commanders weren’t going to be perfect in their first game under new management, a new coaching staff and a new roster, and that’s exactly what was brought to the field on Sunday night.
Despite the lopsided loss to Washington, Daniels had some moments of brilliance against a solid Buccaneers defense. Daniels delivered mediocre passing numbers, completing 71 percent of his passes for 184 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Last weekend, however, Daniels’ running ability shined, as he ran the ball 16 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns – both team-highs on the ground.
READ MORE: NFL Power Rankings: Will the Commanders slip after the loss?
Everyone knew Jayden could use his legs well, and he was able to do so, albeit without making any big explosive plays. Speaking to the media after the game, Daniels talked about his mileage that day and whether it was higher than he would have liked before the game.
“I don’t put a number on it or anything like that, how many times I’m going to run and stuff like that, but I just try to do whatever it takes to help the team win the game.”
– Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels
“I’m going to do whatever it takes to win the football game. I’m not putting a number on how many times I’m going to run or anything like that, but I’m just trying to do whatever it takes to help the team win the game.”
READ MORE: Commanders coach comments on Jayden Daniels’ debut
Daniels didn’t make any plays that put his team in a bad position, but there were plays on the field that could have been exploited. It’s highly unlikely that the Commanders or Daniels had 16 rushes in mind for him when he came into the game, but if that’s what it takes, then so be it.
One thing is certain when it comes to how Daniels runs the ball: He needs to learn how to slide and take care of his body. There were numerous situations where he jumped forward or into an awkward position, leaving his body vulnerable to hard hits. In a follow-up media question, Daniels talked about one of those hits he took, the personal foul from Antoine Winfield Jr., and whether he thought it was an unfair hit.
“No, not at all. I mean, I play football, so maybe other people see it that way, but no, not at all.”
READ MORE: Commanders release kicker after struggles against Bucs
The Commanders once again didn’t look bad in their first game of the new era of the franchise, but there are undoubtedly things that need to be improved. It all starts with Daniels and if he can improve his passing and physical health a bit, the rest of the team will follow suit.
Daniels and the Commanders will look to get back to .500 this weekend when they return to their home region of the DMV to face the struggling New York Giants and Daniel Jones.
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• Commanders eliminated in Week 1 against Buccaneers
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