After quarterback Jayden Daniels' impressive rookie season, fans and analysts wonder if there is room for improvement. If that is the case, what would it be and how can he improve?
"[Daniels'] numbers, when you look at them on paper, are MVP caliber numbers," said Logan Paulsen, former Washington tight end and analyst for Command Center.
In his first season with the Washington Commanders, Daniels played 20 games, had a 68.4 completion percentage, threw for 4,390 yards, had 30 touchdown passes and had only 10 interceptions while also rushing for over 1,000 yards.
Despite an impressive stat line, former Washington defensive back Fred Smoot emphasized that there is always room to grow and for Daniels.
"As legit of a passer as he is, I think he would say, 'I left some yards on the field.'"
Nonetheless, Daniels' adaptability and preparation set the team up for success and allowed them to dictate the oppositional defenses. Paulsen noted that the only defense that took advantage of Daniels was when teams had four strong rushers and have some sort of tight man or match coverage on the back end.
Take the Eagles as an example. In the postseason, Daniels' completion percentage in the first two games against the Buccaneers and Lions averaged to nearly 70 but fell to 60.4 when playing against the pressure from the Eagles defense.
Washington has looked to resolve this issue, bolstering the offensive line over this offseason. The team traded for offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, brought in guard Nate Herbig and drafted tackle Josh Conerly Jr. out of Oregon.
Former Washington wide receiver Santana Moss added that with an upgraded and strengthened offensive line, Daniels has "got more guys on the passing routes and can take advantage of a deeper arsenal."
With the offensive line reinforced, the slowing of the game and creation of opportunities, Daniels' second season will make opposing defensive coordinators uncomfortable and can help put him on track to avoid the sophomore slump.