The Washington Commanders' 2025 season was nothing short of a nightmare. After a stunning 12-win campaign in 2024 that saw them reach the NFC Championship for the first time in three decades, the team simply couldn't find its footing the following year. But it wasn't for lack of talent—it was a brutal string of injuries that derailed everything.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels, the dynamic playmaker who had electrified the league, missed more than half the season with various ailments. Running back Austin Ekeler was lost after just two games to an Achilles tear. Even the ironman himself, No. 1 wide receiver Terry McLaurin—who almost never misses time—was sidelined for several games. Defensive starters rotated in and out of the lineup like a revolving door, making any consistency nearly impossible.

That's why General Manager Adam Peters has made it his mission this offseason to add the right personnel and coaching changes. Injuries aside, the Commanders simply didn't perform well without their starters, so building quality depth has become the top priority. But one thing Peters didn't need to do? Go hunting for a new starting quarterback. He brought in some backup pieces, but make no mistake—Jayden Daniels is still the man under center. And ESPN analyst Louis Riddick couldn't agree more.

When asked about Daniels heading into his third season, Riddick didn't mince words. "He's a franchise quarterback, it's as simple as that," he said. "When I went to see him down in Baton Rouge and watched him throw to Malik (Nabers) and Brian (Thomas Jr.) and all those guys that year, it was a slam dunk. That was the dude. This is the guy, and he showed you that."

Riddick continued, "You're right, it's nothing but injuries that really derailed him. Jayden Daniels hasn't lost a lick of anything in terms of what ultimately he has in his bag to make him one of the very best quarterbacks in the NFL. I expect him to return to that, provided his health is fine, and everything else around him doesn't just fall apart."

For Commanders fans and anyone who loves a good comeback story, that's exactly the kind of vote of confidence you want to hear. Daniels has the tools—now it's about staying on the field and letting that talent shine again.