Commanders observations: Jayden Daniels is sharp, but glaring weakness shows up against Miami

ASHBURN, Va. — Jayden Daniels’ pass zipped down the middle of the field. The quarterback was trying to thread the needle among two lurking safeties and three linebackers to a trusted target.

And sure enough, just as it looked as if Daniels might have pushed his luck too far, tight end Chig Okonkwo emerged from the chaos with a completion.

The Daniels-Okonkwo connection has become a familiar sight in Ashburn over the last three weeks. But, in the first joint practice of training camp against the Miami Dolphins, Washington was curious to see how it translated against an actual opponent.

Turns out, there were no issues there.

Most of Daniels’ sharpness through training camp carried over against the Dolphins’ first-string defense. It wasn’t just on passes to Okonkwo, although the two connected several times.

Daniels also found Stefon Diggs in the back of the end zone for a touchdown and worked the sideline to link up with Terry McLaurin. Every playmaker Washington will rely on this season was highlighted by Daniels over two hours. He threw only four incompletions.

Earlier in the week, offensive coordinator David Blough hinted this might be the most polished Daniels has looked in the NFL. He played the part Wednesday.

“We track everything. We’ve tracked every throw he’s made over the last three years,” Blough said. “We have metrics to measure all of those statistics. He’s as accurate as he’s ever been. He’s completed as many passes as he ever has.”

For Daniels’ part, the team’s two scheduled joint practices will be his most extensive work before the season opener in Philadelphia. He feels comfortable in a new offensive scheme. And Wednesday was his best day of camp.

“Reps and time go on, and you get more of a grasp of who can run what route,” Daniels said. “You can feel how Blough wants to call it.”

The practice against Miami was also the first real look at Diggs playing in Washington’s system. He caught several balls from Daniels. The two are fast-tracking their relationship, spending extra time after practice going over routes.

“His feel for space [is good]. He goes out there and makes plays,” Daniels said. “He will be good, not just for the offense but this whole team.”

A concerning trend

As sharp as Daniels was, the major concern of Washington’s training camp was only heightened Wednesday.

The retooled offensive line struggled against Miami. The Commanders just lost left tackle Laremy Tunsil for the foreseeable future and moved Brandon Coleman into the position. Head coach Dan Quinn said Coleman is the starter, no competition needed.

But Washington couldn’t run the ball, and Daniels was under duress for would-be sacks a handful of times. Daniels understands the line will drop off without its five-time Pro Bowler, but he needs better protection.

“You can’t replace LT. LT is one of one,” Daniels said. “I have confidence in [Coleman] and the next-man-up mentality. I trust all of them to go out there and do their job.”

Daniels continues to say some of the pass protection will improve in a real game. But it looked rough Wednesday, as did the run blocking. It is a concerning sign.

“There is only so much you can do because I’m not live,” Daniels said of the pressure. “Some of these are sacks that wouldn’t be sacks. I’m just trying to work my game. If they get pressure, try to get the ball out.”

Defense trends up

Miami is not expected to have a top-tier offense. In all likelihood, it will be toward the bottom of the league.

Still, Washington’s starting defense had a strong day against quarterback Malik Willis. Cornerback Mike Sainristil intercepted him for a pick six. Defensive tackle Daron Payne was in the backfield getting pressure. Willis struggled to move the ball most of the day.

Some of the Dolphins’ second-stringers, led by former Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, fared better. But, when it was the starters, the Commanders stacked would-be sacks.

Washington needs better pressure on the quarterback this year. The early returns are good.

“That s--t was cool to see,” defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw said. “Shoutout to the guys, man. … I thought we did a good job leaning on each other today.”