The Commanders leader Dan Quinn has admitted he bears a portion of the blame for a major injury to the team’s signal-caller, Daniels.
Particulars of the Injury and Context
Daniels, who enjoyed among the best first-year performances of all time last season, suffered a dislocated elbow joint in the Sunday loss to the Seahawks. Even though Daniels throws with his right arm, the injury has left his season in doubt. The injury was significant enough that the television broadcast did not show replays and multiple players looked away as he was attended to by team doctors.
Backlash and Coach’s Response
Coach Quinn came under scrutiny as numerous believed the rookie should not have been on the playing surface to begin with. The injury happened in the fourth quarter with the Commanders trailing 38-7, making a recovery improbable. It is typical in such circumstances for clubs to insert their backup quarterback to avoid injuries to their first-string player.
“I understand. I’ve been reflecting about it constantly, too, and, wow, I erred,” Quinn said of his decision to leave Daniels in the game. “This is 100% on me.”
Fallout and Team Prospects
Marcus Mariota will be the Commanders’ starting quarterback going forward, but he will lead a team in disarray. After making the NFC championship game the prior year thanks to the rookie’s excellence, the team have struggled this season. They additionally saw injuries to cornerback Marshon Lattimore (ACL tear) and pass-catcher Luke McCaffrey (collarbone fracture) on Sunday, and have a host of other starters on injured reserve. The Commanders are three wins and six losses so far, and it would require a huge reversal for the club to reach the playoffs.
