NFL Insights: Jayden Daniels' Struggles & Coaching Futures

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Outspoken With Dan Sileo

Jayden Daniels’ Struggles, Dan Quinn’s Future and the Coach of the Year Race

Jayden Daniels has not won many games since leading Washington to the NFC Championship Game during his rookie season. Injuries, roster instability and an inconsistent supporting cast have contributed to a season that does not resemble his promising first year.

There is important context. Terry McLaurin is injured, the team lacks a traditional running game and Daniels may not be fully healthy. His athleticism, the organization’s commitment and the roster’s talent when healthy still suggest better days could be ahead. He has shown splash plays, but those moments have not translated into enough victories. Washington can be exciting, but it remains a bad team.

The situation was compared to C.J. Stroud’s trajectory. After a big rookie season and a subsequent lull, Stroud recently threw five touchdown passes. Daniels could similarly recover from his current struggles and prove he can lead a franchise.

Dan Quinn could return as Commanders head coach because there are enough explanations for the team’s problems, including Daniels’ health, McLaurin’s absence, an inconsistent defense and a banged-up running game. However, a four-win season could also give the organization a reason to move on.

John Harbaugh remains firmly in the NFL Coach of the Year conversation. Liam Coen could also emerge as a candidate, while Ben Johnson would have a strong case if his team wins the division through the offense that reflects his approach.

The discussion closed by questioning why the Jaguars were not among the three teams selected to win the Super Bowl if it were played today.