Jayden Daniels is not hurt, according to Commanders head coach Dan Quinn.
“I do think it has affected his playing, and I think it has affected the play-calling as well,” countered former Washington head coach Jay Gruden in his appearance Monday with “Grant and Danny” on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C.
Gruden coached the Redskins from 2014-2019 and still keeps a close eye on the football team. Yes, that was pun intended.
Watching the Eagles game last Thursday night, Gruden, of course, is correct. The Commanders were not throwing the ball down the field, and Daniels was not moving with the same energy and quickness he had earlier.
Gruden continued, “For him to be ultra-successful and for this offense to be where it needs to be, to get to the playoffs and win games in the playoffs, he (Daniels) has to be able to use his legs to be an aggressive runner. And he is not right now because his ribs are hurt.”
What about the Commanders losing consecutive weeks to the Steelers and then the Eagles? Gruden replied, “Both teams can get aggressive with their fronts and keep Jayden in the pocket. The biggest concern moving forward is who is going to get open in man-to-man situations other than Terry.”
Gruden also pointed to how the Commanders were so good on third and fourth downs in their first several games this season. Yet the Commanders against the Eagles at one time were only a dismal 1-9, finishing 3-12 on third downs. He said Kliff Kingsbury may attempt to be more aggressive on first downs.
Gruden also expressed his hope that the coaches and players would get away for a day or two during their mini-break so they would return refreshed and ready to face the Dallas Cowboys next Sunday.
