Why Commanders rookie WR Antonio Williams can help 2026 emphasis for Jayden Daniels
Before a dislocated elbow, sprained left knee and injured right hamstring hampered Jayden Daniels in 2025, the Washington Commanders’ quarterback had shown it. The 2024 second overall draft pick had shown his dual-threat ability as a rookie, rushing for 891 yards and six touchdowns in addition to passing for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Entering Year 3, the Commanders want to lean more on the latter: Daniels’ passing.
And just as they coached him during his rookie season, the Commanders want Daniels extending plays as a passer more often than he takes off to run. “He's super fast, and so, when he gets out on the edge, oftentimes, like, he can scramble for a first down for 7 yards,” Commanders head coach Dan Quinn told Yahoo Sports at the league’s annual meeting in March. “Which ones can you remain a passer and throw it for 27 yards?
And so, that's not just him. That's when the other receivers are outside, not turning to block, but going on a route. “Systemwise, that's definitely one of the things that we're working hard on – when the second play happens.
” The second play will often come after Daniels has needed to elude a rush, and when he’s already out of structure if not also off platform. Syncing with receivers out of structure is more difficult than when leaning on footwork in the pocket. Quinn and offensive coordinator David Blough will remind Daniels of the upside.
“The effectiveness is from the explosive plays,” Quinn said. “So his effectiveness will be a little bit more under center this season, which leads into more play-action passes. So I think there'll be more examples where after the play action happens and he sees it, and if he does get outside the pocket one way or another, take a beat and then go hit the next [target].
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