Dan Quinn addressed concerns about Jayden Daniels’ leg discomfort, which led the coach of the Washington Commanders to substitute the rookie quarterback during halftime of their season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. Quinn reassured that he does not foresee the injury being an issue moving forward into the playoffs.
“I’m not worried heading into this week,” Quinn stated during a video call with the media. “I actually feel pretty good about the team’s overall health, which is encouraging at this stage of the season.”
Quinn explained that he opted for backup Marcus Mariota to enhance the team’s agility, as Daniels was not as mobile due to his soreness. Esteemed as the leading candidate for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, Daniels is anticipated to participate in practice this week prior to their wild-card match on Sunday evening against Tampa Bay.
“I completely support Coach DQ’s decision,” Daniels remarked after Mariota successfully guided the team to a 23-19 victory over the Cowboys. “I’m just focusing on getting ready for next week.”
Daniels’ playoff debut will occur at the same stadium where he played his inaugural NFL game. The Commanders faced a loss in that opening week before embarking on a four-game winning streak, concluding the season with a commendable record of 12-5.
Quinn commended Daniels for successfully adapting to the lengthier NFL season compared to college, emphasizing that the rookie took time to learn and fine-tune how to best maintain his physical condition.
“There were a lot of lessons to absorb,” Quinn noted. “He has truly done well in finding a rhythm that works for him.”
On the health front, Quinn expressed optimism as the Commanders seem to be improving, especially following games without cornerback Marshon Lattimore and center Tyler Biadasz, in addition to rookie left tackle Brandon Coleman sustaining a knee injury. The team’s light schedule, having played only four games in the previous month, may be playing a role in their current health status.
“We anticipated some benefits from having that late bye week,” Quinn commented, referencing the Commanders’ strategically timed break. “While we didn’t discuss it openly, having it at the end may give the team a bit more vitality than usual.”
The return of Lattimore is essential, particularly with the need to contain Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans, who made a significant impact in their previous matchup. Evans accumulated five receptions for 61 yards and secured two touchdowns in that game.
However, challenges loom in the run defense for Washington, which has shown vulnerabilities. The Cowboys were able to pile on 150 rushing yards, and rookie Bucky Irving could exploit similar gaps if they do not implement corrective measures. The Commanders currently allow an average of 137.5 rushing yards per game, which ranks them the lowest among the 14 playoff teams and 30th out of 32 overall.
On a positive note, Mariota has proven to be an asset for Daniels, providing mentorship as someone who has faced a similar spotlight as a former second overall draft pick. The 31-year-old quarterback has also demonstrated his playing capabilities, completing 15 out of 18 passes, which included the critical game-winning touchdown to Terry McLaurin in the closing seconds, in addition to rushing for another TD among his five carries totaling 56 yards.
In contrast, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste may face a reduction in playing time should Lattimore return, following a game where St-Juste was penalized for both pass interference and holding against the Cowboys, racking up significant playing time.
Quinn provided updates on player injuries, noting that Coleman is recovering well, and he is optimistic about Lattimore and Biadasz’s prospects after Biadasz sustained an ankle injury in late December.
“The trend is positive,” Quinn expressed. “From a medical standpoint, those are our players with improving conditions.”
He didn’t have any news regarding kicker Austin Seibert, who has been out since late November, but has been pleased with replacement Zane Gonzalez. Gonzalez has successfully converted five out of seven field-goal attempts and is perfect on extra-point tries throughout six games this season.
A key statistic to note is the four sacks that Dallas recorded against Daniels in the first half of their recent matchup, which contributed significantly to Quinn’s decision to replace him. Tampa Bay’s defense, known for aggressive blitzing, presents a challenge for the Commanders as they must protect Daniels effectively to have a chance in the upcoming game.
Moving forward, the team must focus on healing and preparing for the Buccaneers, who are favored by three points according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns in their matchup earlier in the season, a scenario the Commanders hope to avoid repeating to keep their postseason ambitions alive.
