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Daniels Adapts to Blough as Commanders Install Under‑Center, Play‑Action Offense

Largely installed at mid‑June minicamp, the new scheme will be tested in training camp to determine whether Daniels' recovery, processing and roster support can restore the offense.

Overview

  • Coaches said the playbook is roughly 80 percent installed during mid‑June minicamp and Dan Quinn praised Jayden Daniels for quickly taking command of the new terminology.
  • Daniels told reporters he still has "a long way to go" as he learns more under‑center snaps, increased motion and heavier use of play‑action that differ from Kliff Kingsbury’s approach.
  • Washington promoted David Blough to play‑caller in January and added D.J. Williams as quarterbacks coach to lead a schematic reset after the offense regressed in 2025.
  • Key uncertainties for whether the change will work are Daniels' health and in‑game processing after three 2025 injuries, plus the team's lack of a proven No. 2 receiver.
  • The next milestones are training camp reps and preseason play, which will show if the scheme creates consistent play‑action openings and whether the Commanders pursue a receiving reinforcement such as the reported Brandon Aiyuk rumors.