Commanders Coach Takes Blame for Keeping Jayden Daniels in Game Prior to Serious Injury
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has stated he bears some the blame for a serious injury to the team’s signal-caller, Daniels.
Particulars of the Injury and Context
Jayden Daniels, who enjoyed one of the greatest first-year performances of all time last season, suffered a dislocated elbow joint in the Sunday defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. Although the quarterback throws with his right arm, the issue has left his campaign uncertain. The injury was serious enough that the TV coverage avoided showing replays and multiple players turned away as he was attended to by team doctors.
Criticism and Leader’s Reaction
Coach Quinn faced scrutiny as many felt Daniels ought not to have been on the field to begin with. The injury happened in the fourth quarter with the Commanders behind 38-7, rendering a recovery unlikely. It is typical in such circumstances for clubs to put in their reserve QB to prevent injuries to their first-string player.
“I get that. I’ve been thinking about it constantly, too, and, wow, I erred,” Quinn said of his decision to leave Daniels in the game. “This is 100% on me.”
Fallout and Team Outlook
Mariota will be the team’s primary QB from now on, but he will guide a team in disarray. Following making the NFC championship game last season thanks to the rookie’s excellence, the franchise have faced difficulties this season. They also lost defensive back Lattimore (torn ACL) and wide receiver Luke McCaffrey (collarbone fracture) on Sunday, and have a host of other starters on injured reserve. The Commanders are 3-6 on the season, and it would take a huge turnaround for the team to make the playoffs.
