Commanders Move Sam Daniels Under Center in New Offensive Scheme

The Washington Commanders have overhauled their offensive approach this offseason, adopting a system that is expected to place quarterback Sam Daniels under center far more frequently than in his first two seasons under head coach Kliff Kingsbury. In his rookie year Daniels operated primarily from the shotgun, and even after a coaching change he continued to snap from shotgun on 94 percent of his drops, according to TruMedia data. The new scheme aims to reduce that reliance on shotgun and give Daniels a more traditional pocket experience.

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Since entering the league, Daniels has taken the majority of his snaps from shotgun, mirroring the style he used in college. In his second professional season he faced a combination of injuries and performance issues, including noticeable drops in accuracy and a higher propensity to scramble compared with his rookie campaign. Those challenges contributed to an uneven season and raised questions about his long-term development as a passer.

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Commanders offensive analyst Jhabvala reports that Daniels has adjusted well to the increased under-center workload. The analyst’s assessment suggests that the quarterback’s mechanics and rhythm are improving as he adapts to the new scheme, potentially mitigating the accuracy concerns that plagued his second year.

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With several new offensive additions joining the roster, Daniels is projected to be a high-end QB1 candidate in fantasy football. The shift to more under-center snaps, combined with the reported improvements in footwork and timing, could translate into higher completion percentages and more efficient passing statistics. If Daniels sustains his health and continues to refine his pocket presence, the Commanders’ offensive revamp may position him among the league’s top fantasy quarterbacks this season.

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