Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has admitted he bears some the blame for a serious ailment to the team’s quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
Details of the Injury and Context
Daniels, who enjoyed among the best first-year performances in history the previous year, sustained a displaced elbow joint in Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Even though Daniels passes with his dominant arm, the injury has placed his season in doubt. The injury was significant enough that the television broadcast avoided showing repeats and several players turned away as he was treated by team doctors.
Criticism and Leader’s Reaction
Coach Quinn faced scrutiny as numerous felt Daniels should not have been on the field to begin with. The injury happened in the final period with the Washington behind 38-7, making a comeback improbable. It is typical in such situations for clubs to insert their reserve QB to prevent harm to their starter.
“I understand. I’ve been reflecting about it constantly, too, and, man, I erred,” Quinn said of his decision to keep Daniels in the game. “That is 100% my fault.”
Fallout and Team Outlook
Mariota will be the team’s primary QB from now on, but he will lead a roster in turmoil. After reaching the NFC championship game last season behind Daniels’s brilliance, the franchise have struggled currently. They also lost defensive back Marshon Lattimore (torn ACL) and wide receiver McCaffrey (broken collarbone) on Sunday, and have a host of other starters on the injury list. The Commanders are 3-6 so far, and it would take a massive reversal for the team to reach the playoffs.
