The burning question for a 53-year-old fan: “Will the Commanders win another Super Bowl before you exit this life?” That’s the heavy ask a fan put to former Washington offensive lineman and two-time Super Bowl champ Mark Schlereth on his “The Stinkin’ Truth” podcast. And Schlereth, a guy who started on the 1991 Super Bowl XXVI Championship team, the best in franchise history, actually said “Yes” to that! But before you get too hyped, his breakdown of Jayden Daniels comes with a massive caveat that could make or break everything.
Jayden Daniels’ Massive Talent, Even Bigger Concern
Schlereth, an excellent NFL analyst for Fox, isn’t holding back on Daniels’ potential. He believes the guy has “the ability,” no question. Even with sloppy footwork in the pocket, Daniels somehow throws the ball “on time and accurately.” Most quarterbacks can’t overcome that kind of sloppiness, but Daniels “seems to be able to.” That’s high praise right there. Schlereth raves about Daniels’ preparation and work ethic too, saying he’s “all football,” living a true “lifestyle” mentality that football isn’t just a job. He’s “unbelievably talented, smart, skilled.” Sounds like a franchise guy, right?
But here’s the brutal truth: Schlereth’s “biggest question” about Daniels is his build. He’s a “very slightly built dude,” and the concern is simple: “Can you hold up?” Schlereth vividly recalled calling a game during Daniels’ rookie year against the Giants, where he took a hit that made Schlereth think he “broke him in half.” It looked like Daniels would “never walk again,” yet to his credit, he came back in that game, proving he’s tough. Still, toughness doesn’t always equal durability. Schlereth believes Daniels “will have to change” the way he’s been playing under Kliff Kingsbury because that style “is not sustainable.” This isn’t just a minor detail; it’s Schlereth’s “biggest concern.”
Quinn’s Leadership and a Future Super Bowl?
Despite the huge question mark over Daniels’ durability, Schlereth still backed up his Super Bowl prediction, largely due to head coach Dan Quinn. “Love Dan Quinn,” Schlereth said, acknowledging Quinn has been to a Super Bowl before. Yeah, the infamous 28-3 game he “doesn’t like to talk about,” but the experience is there. Schlereth firmly believes Quinn “is the right man to lead them.” That’s a huge vote of confidence for the new leadership.
So, when it comes to that 53-year-old fan’s question about another Super Bowl? Schlereth’s final word was “Yes,” adding “at some point” as long as the fan doesn’t “keel over tomorrow.” It’s a conditional “yes” then, relying on Quinn’s leadership and, most importantly, Jayden Daniels finding a way to stay on the field and adapt his game. Will Daniels change his playing style enough? Can he physically hold up for an entire season, or multiple seasons? That’s what every fan will be watching for as this team takes the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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