Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has admitted he shares a portion of the fault for a major injury to the team’s quarterback, Daniels.
Particulars of the Injury and Context
Jayden Daniels, who enjoyed among the best first-year performances of all time the previous year, suffered a displaced left elbow in Sunday’s defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. Although the quarterback throws with his dominant arm, the injury has placed his campaign in doubt. The injury was significant enough that the TV coverage avoided showing repeats and several players looked away as he was attended to by medical staff.
Criticism and Leader’s Reaction
Quinn came under scrutiny as numerous felt Daniels ought not to have been on the field to begin with. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter with the Washington trailing 38-7, rendering a comeback unlikely. It is typical in these situations for teams to insert their reserve QB to prevent injuries to their first-string player.
“I get that. I’ve been reflecting about it constantly, too, and, wow, I missed it,” he said of his choice to leave Daniels in the game. “That is 100% my fault.”
Aftermath and Squad Prospects
Mariota will be the Commanders’ starting quarterback going forward, but he will lead a team in disarray. After making the conference title game last season behind the rookie’s excellence, the team have faced difficulties this season. They also saw injuries to defensive back Marshon Lattimore (ACL tear) and pass-catcher Luke McCaffrey (collarbone fracture) on game day, and have a host of other key players on the injury list. The Commanders are three wins and six losses so far, and it would take a huge reversal for the club to reach the postseason.
