Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels says last season left him with a bitter, “miserable feeling,” after a 5–12 record and limited appearances due to injuries. With David Blough replacing Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator, Daniels believes h
Jayden Daniels doesn’t talk like a quarterback searching for excuses. He talks like someone still trying to shake off the taste of a season that wouldn’t let him do his job.
After earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024. Daniels’ second season with the Commanders brought setbacks he couldn’t work around. Washington went 5–12 in 2025, and Daniels played only seven games because of injuries to his knee, hamstring, and his left elbow. He finished the year with 1,262 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions.
“It left a bitter taste in my mouth,” Daniels said. “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.”
He also tied his mindset to the moment, saying he expects accountability from himself every time he steps onto the field. “If you don’t feel you have something to prove, then you shouldn’t be in this profession,” Daniels said via John Keim of ESPN.
There is a fresh structure in place now, and Daniels pointed straight at what’s changed on offense. David Blough has replaced Kliff Kingsbury as the Commanders’ new offensive coordinator, and Daniels said the early work has him encouraged.
“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.”
Last year may have defined how Daniels felt about setbacks, but the opening message of this season is simpler than that: he believes he still has something to prove, and he wants his body—and his offense—to finally let him do what he does on a daily basis.
Jayden Daniels Commanders NFL offensive rookie of the year David Blough Kliff Kingsbury 2025 season injuries knee hamstring left elbow 1 262 yards eight touchdowns three interceptions