The Commanders leader Dan Quinn has admitted he bears some the fault for a serious ailment to the team’s quarterback, Daniels.
Particulars of the Injury and Context
Daniels, who enjoyed among the best first-year performances in history last season, suffered a dislocated left elbow in Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Although the quarterback throws with his right arm, the injury has left his season in doubt. The condition was significant enough that the television broadcast avoided showing repeats and several players turned away as he was attended to by medical staff.
Backlash and Coach’s Response
Quinn faced scrutiny as many believed the rookie ought not to have been on the playing surface in the first place. The injury happened in the fourth quarter with the Commanders behind 38-7, making a recovery unlikely. It is typical in these situations for clubs to insert their backup quarterback to avoid injuries to their starter.
“I get that. I’ve been thinking about it constantly, too, and, wow, I missed it,” he said of his decision to keep Jayden in the match. “This is 100% on me.”
Fallout and Team Prospects
Marcus Mariota will be the team’s primary QB going forward, but he will lead a team in turmoil. Following making the conference title game last season behind Daniels’s excellence, the team have struggled currently. They also lost defensive back Marshon Lattimore (ACL tear) and wide receiver McCaffrey (broken collarbone) on Sunday, and have a number of other key players on injured reserve. The Washington squad are 3-6 on the season, and it would require a huge turnaround for the club to reach the playoffs.
