Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has admitted he bears some the fault for a major ailment to the team’s quarterback, Daniels.
Particulars of the Injury and Context
Daniels, who had among the best first-year performances of all time last season, sustained a displaced elbow joint in the Sunday defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. Although the quarterback throws with his dominant arm, the injury has placed his season in doubt. The condition was serious enough that the TV coverage avoided showing replays and several athletes turned away as Daniels was attended to by medical staff.
Backlash and Coach’s Reaction
Coach Quinn came under scrutiny as many believed the rookie ought not to have been on the field in the first place. The injury occurred in the final period with the Commanders trailing 38-7, rendering a comeback unlikely. It is typical in these circumstances for clubs to put in their reserve QB to avoid harm to their starter.
“I understand. I’ve been thinking about it constantly, too, and, man, I erred,” he said of his choice to leave Jayden in the game. “This is 100% on me.”
Fallout and Squad Outlook
Marcus Mariota will be the team’s starting quarterback going forward, but he will lead a roster in turmoil. After making the NFC championship game the prior year behind Daniels’s brilliance, the franchise have faced difficulties currently. They also saw injuries to cornerback Marshon Lattimore (ACL tear) and wide receiver Luke McCaffrey (broken collarbone) on Sunday, and have a host of other starters on injured reserve. The Commanders are three wins and six losses so far, and it would require a huge turnaround for the team to make the postseason.
