Commanders coach Dan Quinn lauds Jayden Daniels' performance - ESPN
Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn continues to love what he's seen from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. But there's one exception: Quinn wants him to slide more.
That was evident in Saturday's 13-6 preseason loss to the Miami Dolphins. On a first-quarter zone read keeper around right end, Daniels picked up 13 yards but rather than slide he continued forward and got tackled from behind.
After the game Quinn told reporters — with a nod to the movie Animal House — that Daniels was on «double secret probation» because he didn't slide on the play. It was the second consecutive week Daniels left the coaches anxious about a play and the potential for a big hit.
Following the play Saturday, Quinn walked down the sideline to where Daniels was and motioned for him to get down.
Washington has been ecstatic about Daniels' performance, not just in the preseason games but in practice as well. Coaches and teammates have raved about his work ethic and say he's ahead of where he should be as a rookie with his knowledge of the offense.
Though he has not been officially named the starter for the season, he has taken the bulk of the first team snaps in practice the last several weeks and started both preseason games.
Daniels has completed 12-of-15 passes for 122 yards in the preseason, with one rushing touchdown.
«He had another really good outing,» Quinn said. «The accuracy, the decision-making of where to go. He really is a unique competitor. But, yes, he was in trouble again with the head coach.»
Last week vs. the New York Jets, Daniels checked to go-ball vs. an all-out blitz, resulting in a 42-yard pass play. But while the coaches were pleased with the play itself, they didn't want him checking out of the play and risking another