Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn became the laughingstock of the NFL when they allowed the clock to run out in a game against the Giants that they could’ve won if they had managed it slightly better. But the incident has gone from funny to serious very quickly.
Amid skyrocketing odds that Quinn might be fired and a barrage of questions over his own understanding of NFL rules, Daniels told the media on Thursday that he has spoken to his teammates over the issue and apologized. He further backed Quinn, taking the responsibility for the final sequence.
“Don’t even put it on the coaches. I have to be more aware out there and manage the game right. I did not do that. No matter what happens on the sidelines, I’ve got to know everything happening and make sure we’re in the right situation to win the game,” Daniels said, via John Keim.
Good on him
NFL fans have complimented Daniels on taking accountability for his mistake and believe it’s a sign that the team can move past the unfortunate outcome:
“I never had a doubt Jayden wouldn’t come out & take accountability. DQ has taken accountability. Next up tomorrow on the accountability tour: David Blough. That’s who I want to hear from,” one user on X wrote.
“Definition of a true leader. Taking full accountability of the situation. This team has 5’s back. Real question is, how do they respond on the field this week? Tough test…” wrote another.
“Most accountable guy in the org from what I see. Let’s see what Blough says tomorrow,” a third wrote.
“I’ve always believed that winners take responsibility while losers blame others. Good for Daniels for stepping up here,” Brit Hume wrote.
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Daniels is both young and the organization’s franchise quarterback. He isn’t going to lose his job over this situation unless it’s the beginning of a downward spiral.
Quinn may still be on thin ice though. While Daniels may have less than 30 games under his belt, Quinn has been coaching football since before Daniels was born and has spent 24 of his last 26 years coaching in the NFL. The amount of excuses at his disposal are far fewer.
