Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has admitted he bears a portion of the blame for a serious injury to the team’s quarterback, Daniels.
Details of the Injury and Context
Daniels, who enjoyed among the best rookie campaigns of all time the previous year, sustained a displaced left elbow in the Sunday defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. Even though the quarterback throws with his dominant arm, the issue has placed his season uncertain. The condition was significant enough that the television broadcast did not show replays and several players turned away as Daniels was treated by medical staff.
Backlash and Leader’s Response
Quinn came under scrutiny as many believed the rookie should not have been on the playing surface in the first place. The incident happened in the final period with the Commanders behind 38-7, making a comeback improbable. It is typical in these circumstances for clubs to insert their backup quarterback to avoid injuries to their starter.
“I get that. I’ve been thinking about it nonstop, too, and, man, I missed it,” he said of his decision to leave Jayden in the game. “That is 100% on me.”
Fallout and Team Outlook
Marcus Mariota will be the Commanders’ primary QB going forward, but he will guide a roster in turmoil. After reaching the NFC championship game the prior year behind Daniels’s brilliance, the franchise have struggled currently. They also lost defensive back Marshon Lattimore (ACL tear) and wide receiver McCaffrey (collarbone fracture) on game day, and have a number of other key players on injured reserve. The Washington squad are three wins and six losses on the season, and it would take a massive turnaround for the team to make the postseason.
