He’s already at a crossroads in his NFL career, but Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels can return to his Offensive Rookie of the Year form if he learns a lesson from Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson.
The need for Daniels to learn from two-time NFL MVP Jackson was spelled out by JP Finlay and Commanders franchise legend Brian Mitchell. Discussing Daniels on the “BMitch & Finlay Show” for 106.7 The Fan, Finlay revealed, “If there’s one thing I’d like to see Jayden learn from Lamar, Lamar rarely gets hit. Some of that is his natural quickness, but he doesn’t take a lot of big shots. And I think Jayden, like Steve Young did, dude, I watched that whole Niners documentary, like he took too many shots and over time evolved from that. I’d like to see in Year 3 some of that evolution with Jayden.”
Mitchell agreed, but he explained why Daniels might need to learn the lesson the hard way: “What happens is eventually you have to become the guy where, when you’re running the ball, you forget that you are that superman, that athlete, and realize that ‘I am more important to the team than just the average person.'”
This isn’t the first time Daniels has been compared to Jackson. Nor is it the only time concerns have been raised about Daniels’ aggressive playing style.
His willingness to take the fight to defenses with his legs presents a challenge for new offensive coordinator David Blough. The first-year play-caller would be smart to use Jackson as the blueprint for protecting Daniels and ensuring he doesn’t suffer the same fall as another former second-overall draft pick.
Blough’s task would be easier with a few more playmakers and better protection around Daniels.
Jayden Daniels Needs Lamar Jackson-Level Support
Jackson refined his game alongside the Ravens putting more talent around him. It’s the same dual process Daniels must be exposed to after his injury-hit sophomore campaign.
Unfortunately, the signs aren’t good Daniels will receive a similar level of support. Jackson benefitted from the presence of two-time league rushing champion Derrick Henry in the backfield, but there’s no elite runner behind Daniels, despite the Commanders snagging a prolific scoring threat in the late rounds of the 2026 NFL draft.
There’s also not a single first-round pick among Daniels’ wide receivers. Jackson, by contrast, has been given both Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers.
The lack of a standout receiver next to go-to target Terry McLaurin is why the Commanders are still being urged to sign a marquee name. Even at the expense of acquiring a Daniels favorite.
General manager Adam Peters has tried to put superior talent at Daniels’ disposal, but the Commanders still have work to do, and not all of that work involves personnel decisions.
Commanders Still Have Work to Do to Help Star QB
Peters traded for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil last offseason to put a bluechip blindside protector in front of Daniels. Much like the role Ravens linchpin Ronnie Stanley plays for Jackson.
The Commanders also spent big this year to land a dynamic tight end with breakout skills. A pass-catcher who can be what All-Pro Mark Andrews and roving playmaker Isaiah Likely have been for Jackson in Baltimore.
Key newcomers will make a difference for Daniels, although arguably not as much as some changes to the playbook. Blough can safeguard Daniels by making a key change to the quarterback’s pre-snap alignment.
Doing a better job of disguising run-pass intent will save Daniels from some hits. So will the Commanders leaning more into what their running backs can do, the way the Ravens have often done for Jackson.
Then Daniels’ eagerness to run will be a bonus, rather than the physically punishing focal point of his game.
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Urged to Learn Lamar Jackson Lesson