Last week, Cam Taylor-Britt stirred up discussions from Cincinnati to Washington by minimizing rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels‘ workload, referring to the offensive system as “simple” and likening it to a “nice college offense.” This commentary came in the wake of Daniels’ impressive performance, where he completed 21 of 23 passes, contributing to the Commanders’ 38-33 victory over the Bengals.
Taylor-Britt attributed the success largely to the “quick throws” made by Daniels. However, it’s important to note that the quarterback enjoyed ample protection in the pocket, aided by significant improvements from the offensive line and a strong running game featuring Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler.
Daniels, the second overall pick from LSU and the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, capitalized on these advantages, showcasing his skills effectively. As the offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury is heading into this week’s game against his former team, the Arizona Cardinals, riding high with a 2-1 record for Washington.
Nick Allegretti, the starting left guard, praised Kingsbury’s coaching approach, stating, “Kliff has done an incredible job. He has a knack for making the right calls in the moment.” Allegretti highlighted how Kingsbury effectively balances play calling, switching between run and pass options, making the offense versatile and unpredictable.
During the game, Daniels amassed a total of 293 yards, with 254 through the air and 39 on the ground. He threw for two touchdowns and added another rushing touchdown, while both Robinson and Ekeler also found the end zone, contributing to the offensive onslaught.
Washington’s performance marked a significant turnaround from their previous game, where they struggled in the red zone against the New York Giants. In that matchup, they went 0 for 6 in red zone attempts, were penalized for five false starts, and relied heavily on kicker Austin Seibert, who managed to score seven field goals. In contrast, the Commanders converted all three of their red zone opportunities against the Bengals, demonstrating a marked improvement in execution.
Overall, Daniels’ strong outing not only secured a vital win for the team but also raised expectations as they prepare to face the Cardinals. With Kingsbury’s strategic acumen and Daniels’ capabilities, Washington is looking to build on this momentum as the season progresses. The blend of a potent offense and an evolving defense could position the team as a formidable contender in the coming weeks.
