Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels had a very successful 2024 season that ended in disappointment in Philadelphia.
The Commanders had won two road playoff games, and winning the third consecutive road playoff game was out of the question that day in the NFC Championship Game as the Eagles routed the Commanders 55-23. So one reporter asked Commanders head coach Dan Quinn on Friday about Daniels’ hunger to win and what Quinn has observed.
Injured in 2025, Daniels was not able to take the field against the Eagles in either game in 2025. So this is Daniels’ first return facing the Eagles since that 2024 NFC title game. “I think it honestly started like towards the end of the season last year,” replied Quinn. “That is where it began. But from that point,
(there are) new systems and changes which are hard to go through. He’s consistently working at it and going after it; it demonstrates readiness. He was more accurate than he’s ever been.”
Yes, both Quinn and offensive coordinator David Blough have referenced this offseason how Daniels has worked hard to learn and master the new offense. Both have also referred to Daniels’ accuracy throughout training camp.
“So, those are the things that I saw. He’s always just a confident player, and he’s clutch. So, like those things, I wouldn’t say they come natural to him, but they are at the forefront. But all the unseen work that went into it- he’s gotten stronger, he’s gotten bigger.” It’s no secret the Commanders are concerned with Daniels being injured so often in 2025. They are encouraged that he worked this offseason to get stronger.
Jayden Daniels has been hitting the weight room. He looks noticeably bigger than the last 2 seasons. The league ain’t ready 😈 #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/GXsosMtM7t
— Roman 👑 (@rome_nolimits) September 10, 2026
Quinn concluded, responding to this question, “There’s a lot of small things that don't show up on the stat sheet, yet he has definitely done. But I love the kind of fire that is in him." In 2024, Daniels showed not only talent but also drive and determination in how he led the Commanders to late-game wins.
The Commanders are hoping to see a lot of that fire again in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' Dan Quinn believes Jayden Daniels will have a huge season
