Will a Jayden Daniels injury derail the Washington Commanders from avenging last season’s 40-20 loss to the Chicago Bears? It’s still too close to call. Last season, the Washington Commanders were at the mercy of former Bears Quarterback Justin Fields, who now is on a tear in Pittsburgh. This season they are dealing with Caleb Williams, another up-and-coming rookie who is just as fast and explosive as Washington Commanders Quarterback Jayden Daniels. The only question left to answer is if his injury in Sunday’s 40-3 win against the Carolina Panthers will keep Daniels sidelined.
Jayden Daniels Back In Practice Friday
According to Washington Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn, Daniels practiced on Friday after sitting out the week. Speaking to reporters Friday after their final practice, Quinn said it was all part of the process. “We followed the plan that we set at the start of the week,” Quinn said. He explained it was a “crawl, walk, run” type of process. “We will assess how he responds to the work that he did over the next 48 hours…”
Quinn also noted they pushed Daniels Friday, from getting some quarterback time to evaluating the movements, skillsets, and the overall game plan. “We’re really following that process,” he said. Over the next 48 hours, it’s still a waiting game, because there was no definite answer to if Daniels is suiting up Sunday. Currently, Daniels is listed as questionable. “We’ll make the best decision for him and for the team.”
Friday’s workups for Daniels included strength and conditioning core work, followed by throwing sessions. Daniels also went through some skills assessments. Overall, Quinn felt the process they put Daniels through was a good way to wait and evaluate. “It was a good day,” Quinn said.
Marcus Mariota Will Be Ready To Go
If the Washington Commanders have to sit Daniels on Sunday against the Bears, Mariota will be ready and Quinn is confident he can do the job. “If he [Daniels] can’t go we all the confidence in Marcus. This quarterback room is a fun one to be around, ” Quinn explained. “To see the support they have for one another, their readiness, it’s a remarkable group.”
Mariota feels that for sure. He’s comfortable playing in Washington’s new era, staff, and with new teammates. Speaking with Sports Illustrated’s Joanne Coley he said he could be himself and enjoy the change. Mariota said they told him to “…do what you do. You don’t have to be Jayden, you don’t have to be [QB] Jeff [Driskel], you don’t have to be anybody. You just be you and play your way, and we’ll find ways to make it work.”
Mariota made it work Sunday, throwing for more than 200 yards and two touchdowns in the Washington Commanders 40-7 win over the Panthers. If there was rust, he hid it well, completing 18 of his 23 attempts with 26 passing first downs. For perspective on Sunday, if he starts, he’s not playing against a team that’s only won one game. The Bears have won their past two games by 30 points.
Commanders: Bears’ Weak Schedule Helps
In their 35-16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bears allowed Jacksonville to earn 15 passing first downs. The Jaguars have won two games. Before that, they faced the Panthers, who just got pummeled by the Washington Commanders Sunday. The lack of real competition in the past couple of weeks may prove to be a benefit to Mariota if he starts.
The Bears’ last real threat was the Los Angeles Rams, who gained significant ground on them. They bested them in passing first downs and rushing first downs. Even though they lost 24-18, the game shows if played close with a strong defense, there is a chance the Bears break under pressure. The Washington Commanders have been very aggressive. It will be interesting to see how the Bears respond.
Final Thoughts: Commanders Can Win This
Looking at the stat data against Chicago shows there are some kinks in the armor. It’s good to know there is a great bond among the Commanders’ quarterbacks. Let’s get real: All eyes are on Daniels. Within a short time, the LSU standout/Heisman Trophy winner has rocked the NFC East and the NFL. His performances are record-breaking, and if they had beaten the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6, Daniels would be in everyone’s MVP conversations. He needs to play Sunday for the Washington Commanders. Hopefully, he can. If he cannot, expect a rough, dirty win with Mariota.
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