Jayden Daniels called an audible, overruling the play (screen), which had come in from the sidelines.
It was his first third down in the first series of his first preseason game. He instead called for an empty backfield with all five receivers running a vertical route. Daniels then looked the safety off to the left side of the field, eliminating his help against Dyami Brown. Daniels then fired deep to Brown for a 42-yard gain.
On a third-and-long against the Dolphins, Daniels simply took what the defense gave him. He took the check down, gained good yardage, and made the field goal attempt much closer. The Commanders have to be thrilled with Daniels’ progress thus far.
Every Jayden Daniels Throw and Run vs the Dolphins
10/12 for 78 yards#raisehail pic.twitter.com/2Y9K2Xy1r1— awthentik (@awthentik) August 18, 2024
Of course, there will be struggles; he is a rookie. His extremely lean frame will continue to be a concern. With his quickness and speed, Kliff Kingsbury will want to run some zone-read options each game. Therefore, Daniels will need to get down and avoid hits often.
Marcus Mariota has been one Daniels says he is leaning on heavily. Coaches have said he has accepted his role very well and is supportive of Daniels. Mariota has walked in Daniels’ shoes. He is good to have in Daniels’ ear each day and each game.
On the other hand, Mariota is now dealing with his second injury of the preseason. First, it was a groin, now a chest injury. The plan was that Mariota would be the only other quarterback on the roster, but what little action he saw wasn’t good, and with another injury, one can’t help but wonder if the Commanders might actually have Mariota “inactive” for the opener.
Which leads to Jeff Driskel. Driskel received many more snaps in the preseason and produced several nice plays. As a result, the decision was made to keep Driskel on the roster as the third quarterback. If Mariota is not ready for the opener, they will be glad Driskel is available.
Sam Hartman injured a shoulder in the first preseason game against the Jets and did not see action in the final two preseason games. He was waived, then brought back and signed to the practice squad.