Jayden Daniels Tackles New Commanders Offense Under First-Time Coordinator David Blough

At the Washington Commanders’ mandatory minicamp on June 17, quarterback Jayden Daniels said he is still learning the new offense and its terminology and acknowledged that he has a long way to go. His remarks highlighted the adjustment required as he enters his third NFL season.

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The team dismissed offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury in the 2024 offseason and promoted assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough to offensive coordinator. Blough, a former NFL quarterback, is expected to introduce more motion and under-center snaps, shifting away from the prior gun-heavy approach.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels on learning David Blough's offense: 'I've still got a long way to go'

Quarterback Jayden Daniels, entering his third season after a rookie year with a 69% completion rate, 25 touchdowns and 3,568 yards, will run Blough’s new system. Blough, promoted from assistant QBs coach, brings a playing background of nine NFL games and a 0-7 starter record. Head coach Dan Quinn oversees the transition, while rookie linebacker Sonny Styles notes the expanded communication demands.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels on learning David Blough's offense: 'I've still got a long way to go'

Daniels posted a 69% completion rate, 7.4 yards per attempt, 25 touchdowns and 3,568 yards in his rookie season; injuries in 2025 lowered his completion to 60.6% and yards per attempt to 6.7. The Commanders ranked fifth in points and seventh in yards in 2024, but later fell to 22nd in both categories when Daniels was unhealthy. Blough’s NFL career featured 57% completions, six touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 5.9-yard average.

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Head coach Dan Quinn praised Daniels’ early progress, noting that the quarterback has met the expectations for this point in preparation and expressing confidence that the new playbook will broaden formation options and improve offensive versatility.

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Analysts note Blough’s lack of prior coordinating experience and his 0-7 starter record raise doubts about his capacity to revive an offense that fell to 22nd in 2024. The motion-heavy scheme also demands rapid adaptation from players accustomed to the previous system.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels on learning David Blough's offense: 'I've still got a long way to go'

• “I've still got a long way to go,” — Jayden Daniels, quarterback

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels on learning David Blough's offense: 'I've still got a long way to go'

• “Different formations, run, play action, either that’s in the gun, wide zone, inside zone, mid zone, things like that. It just opens up a lot more things that we have to go out there and give.” — Jayden Daniels, quarterback

Sports Illustrated

• “Just learning the new offense, terminology. Why we’re attacking this play, what we want to do on this play — things like that.” — Jayden Daniels, quarterback

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• “He has hit all the marks that you can at this time of year,” — Dan Quinn, head coach

Sports Illustrated

The Commanders will convene for training camp in late July, where the new offense will be further evaluated and Daniels’ integration will be assessed.

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