What the Commanders’ rapid turnaround under Jayden Daniels may teach the Patriots

The NFL is a league where success and failure often hinge on the ability to evolve, adapt, and find that one key player or shift that can redefine a team’s future. Historically, teams have undergone major turnarounds driven by a combination of exceptional player development, savvy coaching moves, and perhaps most importantly, the acquisition of a star talent who can shift the course of a franchise. Over the past several seasons, Jayden Daniels has become one of the most intriguing young quarterbacks in the NFL, and his rapid success with the Washington Commanders has made him one of the most talked-about players in the league.

Daniels’ rise has not just elevated the Commanders to a new level of competitiveness but also highlighted how one player, if given the right system, can be the catalyst for dramatic organizational change. For the New England Patriots, a franchise steeped in history, tradition, and championships, Daniels’ turnaround with Washington offers invaluable lessons that could be applied as they look to build their future under head coach Bill Belichick.

This article will explore what the Washington Commanders’ rapid turnaround under Jayden Daniels can teach the Patriots, including the importance of quarterback development, building a supporting cast, and adapting to modern NFL trends.

The Commanders’ Turnaround: A Brief Overview

When Jayden Daniels arrived in Washington, the Commanders were a team in transition. Despite having a solid defense and a mix of experienced veterans and promising players, the offense had long been a weak spot. The quarterback position had been a carousel, with players like Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke, and Sam Howell all getting opportunities but struggling to provide the stability necessary for a championship contender.

The arrival of Daniels, a player who had shown flashes of brilliance during his college career at LSU, was a game-changer for Washington. From the moment Daniels took the reins, the Commanders’ offense seemed to click in a way that they hadn’t seen in years. The young quarterback’s poise, athleticism, and ability to make throws from any platform, along with his running threat, gave Washington a versatile weapon they had been missing. Daniels quickly developed chemistry with his receivers, including Terry McLaurin, and helped the Commanders’ offense become one of the more dynamic units in the NFC.

This turnaround was not immediate—Daniels had his growing pains and there were moments of inconsistency—but the trajectory was clear: with the right system in place, the Commanders had a new-found identity. They went from a team struggling to stay competitive to one making a legitimate push for the playoffs.

Daniels’ impact wasn’t confined just to the offense. His leadership and competitive fire ignited the rest of the team, elevating the entire organization. As the Commanders grew under Daniels’ leadership, their defense also found new ways to capitalize on the momentum created by the offense, and suddenly, Washington had the pieces in place to build a long-term contender.

The Patriots’ Struggles: A Different Type of Crisis

The New England Patriots, a franchise once known for its unparalleled success under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, are now a team searching for a new identity. Since Brady’s departure in 2020, the Patriots have struggled to find consistent success, particularly on offense. Mac Jones, the team’s current starting quarterback, has shown flashes of promise but has also been inconsistent, leading to questions about his long-term future in New England. Meanwhile, the Patriots’ offense has often looked anemic, lacking the explosiveness and creativity seen in the league’s top teams.

Unlike the Washington Commanders, who underwent a quick revival thanks to Daniels’ arrival, the Patriots have been in a prolonged phase of rebuilding. The Patriots’ coaching staff has been in flux, and the offense has often been stymied by issues ranging from lackluster quarterback play to a thin receiving corps. While the Patriots’ defense, led by Belichick, remains formidable, the offensive struggles have led to middling results, keeping them on the fringes of playoff contention rather than among the NFL’s elite teams.

The Patriots’ struggles, particularly in the quarterback position, highlight the importance of having a transcendent talent under center. In the modern NFL, where explosive offenses are a key component of championship contention, finding a star quarterback has become more important than ever. The Commanders’ success under Daniels is a potential blueprint for how the Patriots can revamp their offense and turn things around.

Lesson #1: The Importance of the Right Quarterback

The most obvious takeaway from the Commanders’ rapid turnaround under Jayden Daniels is the pivotal role that a franchise quarterback plays in transforming a team. Daniels wasn’t just a traditional pocket passer—he brought an element of dual-threat capability that made defenses have to account for his legs as well as his arm. This dynamic ability provided the Commanders with an element of surprise and versatility that made them far more dangerous than they had been in the past.

For the Patriots, the quest for a franchise quarterback has been elusive since Tom Brady’s departure. Mac Jones was drafted in 2021 with hopes that he could provide stability at the quarterback position, but his progress has been slow. While Jones has demonstrated an understanding of the game and flashes of talent, his inconsistency, particularly when facing high-caliber defenses, has kept him from reaching the level of a top-tier quarterback.

The Commanders’ rapid improvement highlights that if a team can find a true franchise quarterback, it can elevate every aspect of the team, from offense to defense. The Patriots, with Belichick at the helm, have the coaching infrastructure to develop talent. Now, they must focus on acquiring the quarterback who can be the centerpiece of their revival. Whether through the draft, free agency, or a trade, finding a dynamic signal-caller like Daniels, who has the ability to elevate an entire franchise, should be the Patriots’ top priority.

Lesson #2: Building a Supporting Cast Around the Quarterback

While Jayden Daniels was undoubtedly a key reason for the Commanders’ resurgence, it’s important to note that Washington also made significant strides in supporting their young quarterback with a strong cast of playmakers. Terry McLaurin, one of the NFL’s most underrated wide receivers, emerged as a top target for Daniels, and the Commanders’ offensive line gave their quarterback the protection he needed to be effective.

Washington’s success under Daniels was not just about the quarterback’s individual talent; it was also about surrounding him with the right players. The Commanders made smart moves to bring in solid offensive linemen, added a reliable running back in Antonio Gibson, and brought in solid depth pieces to ensure Daniels had the tools to succeed. This is where the Patriots must also take note.

In recent seasons, the Patriots have struggled to put together an offense that complements Jones’ skill set. While Davante Parker and Kendrick Bourne have shown flashes of potential at wide receiver, New England’s passing game has often been inconsistent due to a lack of elite playmakers on the outside. The Patriots need to find a true No. 1 receiver who can elevate the play of everyone around him. Similarly, adding depth at running back and on the offensive line will be crucial to ensuring that whoever is under center has the tools necessary to succeed.

Lesson #3: Embracing Modern NFL Trends

The Commanders’ success under Daniels wasn’t just about having a great quarterback—it was also about adapting to modern NFL trends. Washington embraced an offense that allowed Daniels to make plays both in the air and on the ground, blending traditional passing concepts with an up-tempo, spread approach that made it difficult for defenses to predict their next move.

The Patriots, on the other hand, have been slower to embrace these modern trends. New England’s offensive scheme has often been more conservative, relying on traditional pocket-passing concepts and a heavy emphasis on running the football. While this approach worked during the Brady era, the NFL has changed. Teams with dynamic quarterbacks who can make plays outside of the pocket, combined with high-powered offenses, have become the norm in today’s league.

For the Patriots, it may be time to consider evolving their offensive philosophy to fit the current trends. By modernizing their scheme and utilizing a more diverse set of plays that make use of a quarterback’s mobility—along with the right supporting players—New England could see its own turnaround, much like the Commanders under Daniels.

 A New Path Forward for the Patriots

The Washington Commanders’ rapid turnaround under Jayden Daniels offers valuable lessons for the New England Patriots as they look to rebuild and return to prominence. The Patriots, who have a solid foundation in terms of coaching and defense, must now find their own version of Jayden Daniels—a franchise quarterback capable of leading the team to future success.

Additionally, the Commanders’ approach to supporting Daniels with a talented surrounding cast and embracing modern NFL trends should serve as a blueprint for how the Patriots can evolve. By making the right moves in the draft, free agency, and coaching staff, New England can position itself for a return to contention, learning from the successes of the Commanders along the way. The future may be bright for the Patriots, but only if they are willing to adapt and invest in the right areas, just as Washington did under the leadership of their new star quarterback, Jayden Daniels.