Is it real or just a myth? The dreaded rookie wall, the supposed midseason slump that first-year NFL players hit, has found its way into conversations surrounding Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
But the former LSU star isn’t sure if he’s hit it—or even what it means.
“I mean, I don’t know,” Daniels said Wednesday when asked if he was experiencing the infamous drop-off. “Obviously, it’s longer, so it’s different. In college, the season’s wrapping up around now. Here, it feels like we’re just getting started.”
For Daniels, the adjustment from college to the NFL has been more than just physical. Mentally, he’s navigating uncharted territory—a marathon of minicamps, preseason, and now, the longest season of his career. And after guiding Washington to a 7-2 start, the past three weeks have been a reality check.
Since Week 10, the Commanders have stumbled, losing three straight games. Daniels’ numbers have mirrored the team’s struggles. After throwing nine touchdowns and just two interceptions in the first nine games, with a 71.5% completion rate and a 106.7 passer rating, his production has dipped. Over the last three games, he’s thrown only three touchdowns, matched by three interceptions, and his completion rate has dropped to 61.5%, with a passer rating of 77.7.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
While Daniels adjusts, attention has turned to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, whose play-calling and late-season track record have come under scrutiny. Since 2013, Kingsbury’s teams have historically faltered from November onward, posting a combined 18-46 record, according to NFL Research.
The Commanders’ offense, once averaging 31.1 points per game through Week 7, has seen a sharp decline. Over the last four weeks, that number has dropped to 23.2. The team’s yardage has also taken a hit, raising questions about whether Kingsbury’s schemes can sustain success as the season drags on.
Despite the downturn, Daniels remains composed. “You just go out there and play football,” he said. “Execute and let the cards fall where they fall. It’s about preparation, playing loose, and having fun. We’ll live with the outcomes.”
The Commanders’ recent struggles haven’t fractured the locker room, either. If anything, the team appears to be rallying around each other. “It’s a special group of guys,” Daniels said. “Win, lose, or draw, we’re not pointing fingers. We’ve got each other’s backs. The locker room feels strong to me.”
At 7-5, Washington remains in the thick of the NFC playoff race, currently clinging to the seventh seed. The next challenge? A matchup against the 3-8 Tennessee Titans, a prime opportunity for the Commanders to get back on track and for Daniels to shake off any talk of a rookie wall.
The Commanders have dropped their last three games by a combined margin of just 19 points, with all losses coming by a single possession. That competitive edge gives Daniels confidence heading into the final stretch.
“I think we’re close,” Daniels said. “We’ve been in every game. It’s about making a few more plays, finishing drives, and capitalizing on opportunities. We’re not far off.”
As the Commanders prepare to face the Titans, Daniels and his team aren’t focusing on the pressure of breaking a losing streak. Instead, they’re locked in on execution and staying united. Whether or not the rookie wall is real, Washington’s hopes for a playoff push rest squarely on Daniels’ shoulders—and he seems ready for the challenge.