The Washington Commanders ran an NFL-low 192 plays with the quarterback under center over the past two years. That’s 158 fewer than the team with the next fewest. Now, with a new offensive coordinator, Commanders coach Dan Quinn expects quarterback Jayden Daniels to take more snaps under center and evolve the offense.
Key Takeaways
- The Commanders hired David Blough as their new offensive coordinator after mutually parting ways with Kliff Kingsbury following a 5-12 season.
- Washington hopes to increase their under-center snaps with Daniels, who only attempted 18 passes from under center in his first two seasons.
- Daniels, who was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, battled injuries in 2025, playing in just seven games.
- Blough believes that implementing more under-center snaps will benefit Daniels’ skill set and fundamentals.
Why the Change at Offensive Coordinator?
Commanders coach Dan Quinn emphasized that the decision to change offensive coordinators, replacing Kliff Kingsbury with David Blough, was influenced by the desire to unlock more potential from quarterback Jayden Daniels. Quinn, in his first public comments about the staff changes, highlighted the need for a different offensive approach. The Commanders’ offense ranked near the bottom of the league in several key metrics in 2025, averaging just 18.5 points per game, 28th in the NFL. The team hopes that Blough, who served as the assistant quarterbacks coach for the past two years, can bring a fresh perspective and better utilize Daniels’ talents.
“Jayden’s a big part of our thinking in all the things we do,” Quinn said. “He wasn’t a part of the staff selection, but he drives a lot of the thinking and how we can feature him and where it goes. Having the ability to connect with him, that’s certainly a big deal for us… It wasn’t the deciding factor, but it certainly was a good factor.” Quinn believes the existing rapport between Blough and Daniels will facilitate a smoother transition and lead to improved offensive performance. The shift also signals a move away from the heavy no-huddle offense that Kingsbury favored, as Washington ran no-huddle on 1,271 plays the past two years, 810 more than any other team.
How Will the Offense Evolve Under Blough?
David Blough plans to implement a more balanced offensive scheme that includes increased snaps under center for Jayden Daniels. The Commanders ran an NFL-low 192 plays with the quarterback under center over the past two years. Blough believes that this change will help Daniels evolve and showcase his unique skills. Daniels has attempted only 18 passes from under center in his first two seasons, a statistic that the new offensive coordinator aims to improve. Blough’s conviction stems from the belief that Daniels’ skill set and fundamentals are well-suited for this approach.
“There’s different ways to go about things,” Blough said, “and it’s something that I’m convicted about that with his skill set, his fundamentals, the things that we absolutely loved about him when he first got here, still rang true. [Under center] is something that we will like to implement with him and get him in that position.” This adjustment aligns with a broader trend in the NFL, where teams are increasingly incorporating elements of traditional offenses to create more diverse and unpredictable attacks. According to ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky, “Establishing a consistent running game from under center can open up play-action opportunities and make the quarterback’s reads easier.” The goal is to make the offense less predictable and more challenging for opposing defenses.
Can Daniels Rebound After an Injury-Plagued Season?
After a stellar rookie season in 2024, where Jayden Daniels earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, his 2025 campaign was marred by injuries. Daniels played in only seven games, finishing just four, due to a series of setbacks including a sprained knee, a hamstring injury, and a dislocated left elbow. He missed the final four games of the season after re-injuring his elbow in a Week 14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Despite remaining on the active roster, Quinn decided to shut him down for the remainder of the season with the team at 3-10.
“Sometimes the smartest play is the conservative one,” said NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger. “Letting Daniels heal completely is the best long-term decision for the Commanders.” In his rookie year, Daniels threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns, adding 891 rushing yards and six scores. He led the Commanders to a 12-5 regular season record and an NFC Championship Game appearance. The team’s success in 2026 hinges on Daniels’ ability to stay healthy and build on his impressive rookie performance.
Players/Teams Mentioned
- Jayden Daniels: Entering his third NFL season in 2026, Daniels aims to rebound from an injury-plagued 2025. He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 after throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns.
- Washington Commanders: Finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record. Looking to improve their offensive performance under new coordinator David Blough.
- Minnesota Vikings: Defeated the Commanders in Week 14, a game in which Daniels re-injured his elbow.
- David Blough: The Commanders’ new offensive coordinator, who served as the assistant quarterbacks coach for the past two years.
What This Means
- For Commanders fans: Expect a more balanced offensive attack in 2026, with increased emphasis on running the ball and utilizing play-action. DraftKings currently lists the Commanders at +8000 to win Super Bowl LXI.
- For fantasy football players: Jayden Daniels’ fantasy value could increase if the Commanders commit to running more plays under center, potentially leading to more rushing opportunities. FantasyPros projects Daniels to be a mid-tier QB2 in 2026.
- For aspiring quarterbacks: Daniels’ experience highlights the importance of adapting to different offensive systems and staying healthy throughout the season.
