Jayden Daniels adjusts to Commanders offense after injury-hit 2025

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels said he is still learning the team’s new offensive system during the offseason program in Ashburn, Virginia, calling it a work in progress after an injury-filled 2025 season limited his availability.

Washington changed systems after last season and hired David Blough as offensive coordinator following a mutual parting with Kliff Kingsbury. Daniels said he likes elements of the new approach, but added there is “a long way to go” before he feels full command of the scheme.

The shift is notable for Daniels because it is the second offensive system he has had to learn in his first three NFL seasons. The Commanders are moving away from an attack that featured more no-huddle and less under center, and toward one expected to use more under-center looks and a stronger play-action emphasis.

Daniels said his early priority is understanding the terminology and the intent behind each call rather than revisiting last season’s setbacks. “Just learning the new offense, terminology, why we’re attacking this play, what we want to do on this play — things like that,” he said.

Daniels’ 2025 campaign was disrupted by multiple injuries. He played in seven games and finished four, with issues including a sprained knee, hamstring problems and a dislocated left elbow. He also sat out the final four games after re-injuring his left elbow in a 31-0 loss to Minnesota in Week 14.

What Washington wants from the new system

The coaching staff expects the revised structure to create more variety, including different formations and a heavier play-action component. Daniels said the changes “open up a lot more things,” while acknowledging that consistency will depend on mastering the details of the system.

Coaches have said they have seen growth in Daniels’ early work, including his footwork from under center. Daniels has emphasized that comfort with mechanics is only part of the process and that the bigger challenge is operating the full system with confidence.

Head coach Dan Quinn said he has been impressed by Daniels’ processing speed as he absorbs new terminology and adjustments. Quinn also indicated the staff can feature Daniels in ways it could not as regularly in his first two seasons, including occasionally moving the pocket and using his mobility outside the structure of a play.

How 2024 set the bar for Daniels

Daniels’ limited 2025 production reflected the time he missed. He threw for 1,262 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions and added 278 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.

In 2024, Daniels was named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year after leading Washington to a 12-5 record and its first NFC Championship Game appearance since the 1991 season. He threw for 3,568 yards with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions, and he added 891 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.

Washington’s offseason focus will remain on how quickly Daniels can translate the new language and structure into game-ready execution, with the team aiming to improve both performance consistency and his availability in the season ahead.