Jayden Daniels is finally taking full ownership for the mind-bending clock mismanagement that cost his Washington Commanders a win in Week 5, telling reporters Thursday that the gaffe in overtime “it’ll never happen again.” This comes after days of speculation and blame shifting following the head-scratching 27-27 tie against the New York Giants. Daniels, the 25-year-old 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, initially said “Ultimately, it’s on me” four days ago, but his recent reflection shows a deeper understanding of the mess he was in.
How the Commanders’ OT Drive Went Sideways
Talk about a gut punch. The Commanders had just driven into field-goal territory late in the extra frame against the Giants, after New York already blew their own chance to win when running back Cam Skattebo fumbled at Washington’s 24-yard line. This was their moment. But Washington, with zero timeouts, opted for another play instead of spiking the ball to set up a game-winning kick. Then, Daniels took a sack and just stayed on the ground for a few precious seconds, seemingly forgetting the game was on the line. The worst part? Most of the starting offense looked like they had all the urgency of a Sunday picnic. They eventually scrambled to spike the ball, but it was too late. They couldn’t get lined up in time, and the game just, well, ended. Tied at 27. Rough.
The Blame Game and Who’s Really Owning It
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was quick to fall on the sword after the game, admitting the right call was a spike or a throwaway out of bounds. He made it clear they didn’t need more yards and could have gone for the kick earlier. Quinn even said the end-of-game mess “does not fall on” Daniels and reiterated Thursday, “It’s my responsibility. Point blank, period.” Quinn’s record is a tough 3-13-1 in his last 17 games, so maybe he’s trying to shield his young QB, but it hasn’t stopped the heat on Daniels. Green Bay Packers star pass rusher Micah Parsons didn’t mince words, flat-out blaming Daniels for the blunder. Daniels himself, though, is now saying “regardless of what happens, I’m the person on the field that’s supposed to calm everything, control everything. And I failed to the standard I hold myself to and the standard in this organization.” He knows it “could have resulted in a loss” and that “it was a fail in my eyes.”
Daniels knows he’s “better than that” and holds himself to a “higher standard.” With the Commanders facing a tough road game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, Daniels says he’s already “moving on to San Francisco.” This team needs him to move on for real, learn from that colossal mistake, and make sure it absolutely, positively never happens again. Every possession counts, especially when you’re looking to turn the tide.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply