Quinn expects more of Daniels under center with new OC Blough

ASHBURN, Va. — Head coach Dan Quinn of the Washington Commanders stated that enhancing quarterback Jayden Daniels’ performance played a role in the decision to change offensive coordinators post-season.

Quinn, addressing his staff changes publicly for the first time, indicated that the Commanders’ offense would shift under new coordinator David Blough, who replaces Kliff Kingsbury. Washington parted ways with Kingsbury two days after concluding their 5-12 season.

With Blough, the Commanders aim to incorporate more plays under center to bolster both the offense and Daniels’ development. Over the past two years, Washington logged an NFL-low 192 plays with the quarterback under center—158 fewer than the next lowest team, Cincinnati. especially, Daniels has made only 18 attempts from under center in his initial two seasons.

“We aim to highlight every unique aspect of Jayden’s game,” stated Quinn.

He emphasized that Blough’s experience as the assistant quarterbacks coach for the last two years, along with his established rapport with Daniels, was beneficial.

“Jayden is central to our strategic planning,” Quinn noted. “While he wasn’t involved in the staff selection process, his influence on our thinking regarding how to feature him is substantial. Establishing a connection with him is crucial for us. … It wasn’t the sole deciding factor, but it was certainly a positive aspect.”

Daniels was recognized as the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year in 2024, throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns while also rushing for 891 yards and six scores. His efforts guided the Commanders to a 12-5 record and a place in the NFC Championship Game. In three playoff games—each on the road—Daniels passed for 822 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception while rushing for 135 yards and a touchdown.

but, this season was plagued by injuries. He participated in seven games but completed only four due to various injuries, including a sprained knee, a hamstring issue, and a dislocated left elbow. After reinjuring his elbow during a Week 14 defeat to Minnesota, he missed the final four games of the season, with the team at 3-10 at that stage.

Blough mentioned that changing the Commanders’ style—having run no-huddle plays on 1,271 occasions over the past two years under Kingsbury, which was 810 more than any other team—will be beneficial for Daniels, particularly in adopting a more traditional under-center approach.

“There are various strategies to explore,” Blough remarked, “and I firmly believe that with his skill set and fundamentals—what we appreciated when he first arrived—still holds true. Implementing more under-center plays is something we intend to pursue with him.”