The Washington Commanders’ losing streak stretched to two games after a 26-18 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who had been showing flashes of promise throughout the season, found himself under the spotlight following the loss. In his post-game press conference, Daniels took responsibility for a critical mistake in the game’s final moments and reflected on the team’s overall performance.
The loss to the Eagles marked the Commanders’ second consecutive defeat, a rare stretch of disappointment in an otherwise competitive season. After being defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers the week before, Washington now finds itself grappling with a 4-6 record, and Daniels, who has been a bright spot for the team, knows that improvements must be made across the board. The rookie signal-caller addressed his performance candidly, acknowledging that there are growing pains as he adapts to life in the NFL.
“There are ups and downs,” Daniels said. “You gotta learn different things throughout my rookie year.” While he expressed disappointment with the outcome, he was quick to temper expectations, knowing full well that not every game will go according to plan. “I’m not frustrated because I lost. I don’t lose that many times,” Daniels added, showing a mature perspective on the inevitable setbacks that come with being a young quarterback in a tough league.
However, despite maintaining a positive outlook, Daniels did not shy away from the fact that he and the team could perform better. “I thought everybody could play better, including myself,” he admitted. The Commanders’ offense has shown potential at times this season, but the execution has often fallen short in critical moments, as seen during the Eagles game. Daniels’ leadership in those tough spots will be key moving forward as Washington looks to bounce back.
The rookie quarterback’s focus on improvement speaks volumes about his mentality. For a player who has shown poise under pressure, acknowledging mistakes, like the one he made on the game-changing 4th-and-2 play in the fourth quarter, is a sign of maturity. That critical moment ultimately allowed the Eagles to take control of the game, and Daniels took full responsibility for the failed play.
On the pivotal 4th down attempt, with just under 10 minutes left in the game, the Commanders faced a critical decision while trailing 19-18. Daniels attempted to convert the short yardage situation but the play was slow to develop. As the play unfolded, Daniels admitted that the fault lay in his cadence, which he felt wasn’t loud enough for his teammates to properly execute the play. “I mean, I gotta be louder with my cadence, so I take fault in that,” Daniels said. “Tyler probably didn’t hear me, so I need to be louder.”
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Unfortunately for Washington, the Eagles capitalized on the missed opportunity. After the failed 4th down attempt, Philadelphia drove down the field and scored a touchdown, extending their lead to 26-18. The Commanders’ defense, which had been playing relatively well up until that point, found themselves on their heels, and another interception by Daniels in the closing minutes of the game led to another Eagles touchdown, putting the game out of reach.
The two quick scores following the 4th down failure were a devastating blow to the Commanders’ chances, as they had been hanging within striking distance. The failure to convert on that crucial play, combined with the subsequent turnovers, ultimately sealed their fate against the NFC East-leading Eagles.
JAYDEN DANIELS IS STOPPED ON 4TH DOWN pic.twitter.com/UPWGcEO7ra
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) November 15, 2024
Despite the loss, Daniels remains focused on the bigger picture. He understands that these moments are part of the learning process, especially as a rookie quarterback. “I hate losing,” he said, a sentiment shared by many players but spoken with a particular intensity from a young player who has experienced both highs and lows in his early career. Daniels’ passion for winning and his willingness to take accountability for mistakes suggest that he will continue to grow and improve in the coming weeks.
As the Commanders prepare for the remainder of the season, they will need Daniels to continue maturing and finding ways to lead the offense in tight situations. Washington is still very much in the playoff race, but with a tough schedule ahead, the team will need to eliminate costly mistakes like the one on 4th-and-2. If Daniels can refine his game and lead more efficiently, the Commanders have a chance to salvage their season and compete for a postseason spot.
The loss to the Eagles, while disappointing, offered Daniels an opportunity to grow from the experience. With his calm demeanor and focus on improvement, the rookie quarterback is demonstrating that he has the mental fortitude to overcome setbacks. The road ahead won’t be easy, but if Daniels can learn from moments like the 4th down misstep and continue to develop, the future could still be bright for him and the Commanders.
In the weeks to come, the Commanders will look to get back on track, and they’ll need to rely on Daniels to lead the charge. His performance against the Eagles was a reminder that even the most talented rookies face moments of adversity. How he bounces back will be a key factor in Washington’s ability to rebound and remain competitive as the 2024 NFL season enters its critical final stretch.