The Washington Commanders are expected to have Jayden Daniels back for their Week 5 matchup against the New York Giants. That’s easily the most encouraging news the Commanders could have received, with the offense set to get a major boost from the quarterback’s return.
However, Stephen A. Smith does not believe the Commanders will suddenly become successful just because Jayden Daniels is returning.
Stephen A. Smith Delivers Blunt Verdict on Jayden Daniels
On ESPN’s “First Take” Thursday segment, Smith shared what he really feels about Jayden Daniels’ return.
“They [Commanders] are an interesting group, but they’re not going anywhere.” He said. “Get that out your head. And it’s really sad because, I mean, I look at Jayden Daniels and I see RGIII all over again.”
There are some uncanny similarities between Daniels and RGIII. Both won the Heisman Trophy before being selected No. 2 overall by Washington, and both went on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Both became injury storylines early in their careers, though Griffin’s major knee injury occurred during his rookie-season playoff run, while Daniels’ sophomore campaign was marred by multiple injuries.
The RGIII comparisons predated Daniels’ regular-season debut and continued during his injury-plagued sophomore campaign. The parallels became so noticeable that Daniels’ mother even urged Commanders fans to stop drawing comparisons between the two quarterbacks.
Daniels missed the last two games with a dislocated elbow; however, the good news is that he avoided immediate surgery and has not been placed on injured reserve. The Commanders also played it safe by holding him out against the Indianapolis Colts last weekend.
Daniels has completed 29 of 51 passes this season, good for a 57% completion rate, but he’s made the most of his limited action with three touchdowns and no turnovers across six quarters. He is also 3-0 as a starter against the Giants.
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“I’m super confident,” Daniels said. “I mean, just putting in the countless hours of work and preparation, just go out there and give myself the best opportunity to perform to the best of my ability on Sunday.”
The Commanders are currently 1-3 and occupy last place in the NFC East.
Another loss with the San Francisco 49ers looming on Monday Night Football could make things even tougher.
Several key players are working their way back from injuries, but having Daniels back under center would provide a huge boost for everyone in Washington.
When Commanders’ offensive coordinator David Blough was asked about Daniels’ situation, he said the QB is a “full go” for this weekend.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.