Daniels Points to Layoff as Commanders’ Offense Sputters in Week 1 Loss to Philadelphia

Jayden Daniels did not sugarcoat it after Washington‘s season opener: the Commanders’ starting quarterback said a long absence from live game action left him feeling out the offense during a rough stretch in Sunday’s 24-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Daniels explained that the extended layoff showed in his play early. Washington managed just 295 total yards and 4.4 yards per play, with Daniels completing 18 of 34 pass attempts for 164 yards. Drives stalled repeatedly as the offense shuffled personnel groups and huddled on most snaps, never stringing together consistent rhythm until late.

That sluggish start carries added context. Daniels started and finished only four games in the 2025 season, and the franchise overhauled its staff afterward — dismissing former coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and elevating David Blough from assistant quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator and play-caller. Week 1 offered the first glimpse of that rebuilt operation, and the early returns were uneven.

“Stop shooting ourselves in the foot,” Daniels said, summing up the self-inflicted problems that plagued the Commanders.

The offense did show signs of life in the fourth quarter. Daniels hit Williams on a 33-yard completion, then found Stefon Diggs for a 10-yard touchdown that trimmed Philadelphia’s lead to 17-15. But the celebration proved costly: Diggs was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after hugging the goalpost, pushing back the extra-point attempt and eliminating any chance at a two-point conversion try.

With a trip to Dallas looming for a Week 2 NFC East matchup against the Cowboys, Washington’s margin for error is already tightening after a divisional loss.

What to watch

• Daniels’ completion rate and drive efficiency in Week 2 against Dallas as he builds on his first full game action since 2025.
• How offensive coordinator David Blough’s play-calling evolves in his first season running the unit.
• Whether Washington cleans up penalties after Diggs’ unsportsmanlike conduct flag proved costly in the opener.
• NFL broadcast and media coverage of the matchup will come through networks under parent companies such as Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA), whose shares closed recently at $25.07, down about 0.35% on the day.

Source: original release