Commanders hire OC Blough, aiming to revamp offense around QB Daniels, after Kingsbury exit
The Washington Commanders are undergoing significant changes to their coaching staff, notably with the hiring of David Blough as the new offensive coordinator.
Why it matters: The transition in leadership comes at a pivotal moment for both the team and quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has shown immense potential but faced challenges due to injuries in his subsequent seasons.
- Daniels was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, throwing for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, while also showcasing his ability with 891 rushing yards.
What’s new: The Commanders parted ways with former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury after the 2023 season, a move that reflects the team's desire for a fresh approach to an offense that finished with an unimpressive 5-12 record last year.
- Under Kingsbury, the Commanders ran no-huddle on a staggering 1,271 plays over two seasons, a figure significantly higher than any other team in the league.
- However, they managed only 192 plays from under center, the lowest in the NFL, suggesting a lack of diversity in their offensive strategy.
Yes, but: While the change in offensive philosophy is welcomed, questions remain regarding how well Daniels will adapt to this new system.
- Daniels attempted just 18 passes from under center during his first two seasons, raising concerns about his readiness for a more traditional drop-back passing game.
- Dan Quinn emphasized the need to "feature every part of Jayden in the way that makes him unique and special," hinting at a continued focus on utilizing his dual-threat capabilities.
What to watch: As the Commanders prepare for the upcoming season, eyes will be on how Blough intends to reshape the offense to leverage Daniels' strengths.
- Blough remarked, “There’s different ways to go about things,” indicating a shift towards a more balanced offensive scheme that might include running plays under center, potentially increasing Daniels' involvement in conventional formations.
The big picture: These changes could signal a broader trend within the NFL, where teams are increasingly recognizing the importance of versatile quarterbacks who can perform in varied offensive systems.
- With the Commanders aiming for a return to playoff contention following a 12-5 finish in 2024, the success of these strategic adjustments will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
The bottom line: The hiring of David Blough as offensive coordinator marks a critical juncture for the Washington Commanders, as they look to maximize the potential of Jayden Daniels while correcting past inefficiencies in their offensive approach.
