Deebo Samuel is the X-factor Jayden Daniels needs in 2025 Commanders offense
Deebo Samuel Commanders offense (Image via AP)
The Washington Commanders are reloading with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels at the center of their offensive rebuild — but it's Deebo Samuel who may quietly become the key. With one of the league's worst yards-after-catch (YAC) metrics in 2024, Washington needed a dynamic playmaker in space.
Samuel's arrival offers that and more, providing the spark they lacked last season. Now, expectations are soaring for a breakout 2025 tandem.
Deebo's role solves Washington's YAC struggles
While the Commanders ranked top five in most offensive categories last year, they were shockingly low in one key area — 21st in YAC per reception. NFL analyst Mina Kimes highlighted this flaw and pointed straight to Samuel as the solution. 'The Commanders offense was top five in just about every metric last year but one where they were not was yards after the catch per reception,' she said.
Jayden Daniels and J.J. McCarthy confidence levels 🧐 | NFL Live
She followed with a now-viral phrase: 'By God, that's Deebo Samuel's music. That's exactly what he's been brought into this offense to do.' Kimes believes Samuel's unique ability to generate big gains on short throws is exactly what this team lacked. 'You can see him certainly taking advantage of that to get them yards after the catch,' she added.
Jayden Daniels already sees explosive potential
Jayden Daniels is fully on board with the vision — and his excitement is crystal clear.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Direct Shopping From Adidas Franchise Store, Up To 50% Off
Original Adidas
Shop Now
Undo
When asked about Samuel, the rookie QB didn't hesitate: 'An 80-yard touchdown on a screen — that's what I see.' Daniels' quick-passing game aligns perfectly with Deebo's YAC-heavy style. The chemistry between them is already generating buzz across the league.
Kimes also emphasized this synergy: 'I think he brings an element to this offense that didn't exist last year.' With Terry McLaurin stretching the field and Jahan Dotson creating separation underneath, Samuel adds the crucial third piece — a bulldozing, open-field playmaker.
The offensive balance could be unlike anything Washington has had in years.
Also read:
Russell Wilson's wife Ciara stuns in fiery dance collab with DK Metcalf's fiancée Normani
In 2021, Deebo Samuel exploded for 1,405 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns, and 365 rushing yards — a historic dual-threat season. Although his production fell to 670 yards in 2024, Washington is banking on a fresh start. Under Kliff Kingsbury's motion-heavy system, Deebo may finally return to elite form. If so, this Commanders offense could become one of the most dangerous in the NFL.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG Test: 'I'll be disappointed...' – Ravi Shastri makes bold prediction about Shubman Gill
India's Shubman Gill, Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy during a nets session at Headingly, Leeds, England, Wednesday June 18, 2025. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP) Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has made a big prediction for India's new Test captain Shubman Gill . Shastri said it would be a surprise if Gill does not go places in a few years. 'I'll be disappointed if Gill doesn't go places. Languid, lazy elegance, and he's got a regal element of being regal out there when he's batting,' Shastri told Wisden. 'If he can learn with exposure and adapt to conditions, I think that's the one name I can see. 15:33 WV Raman backs Shubman Gill to fire in England: 'He needs the right support' 'He's matured a lot. The way he handles the media, the way he talks at press conferences, at tosses—he's matured a lot. 'Let him be there for three years. Don't chop and change irrespective of what happens in the series. Stick with him for three years, and I think he will deliver for you,' he added. Gill scored a sublime century on his captaincy debut for India in Headingley. Gill joined the elite list of Indians which includes Sunil Gavaskar, Virat Kohli, Vijay Hazare, and Dilip Vengsarkar to score a hundred on Test captaincy debut. Gill is the 23rd player to score a century in a debut innings as captain and the fourth-youngest among them, behind Herbie Taylor, Alastair Cook, and Steven Smith. Prasidh Krishna Press Conference: On Learning, Experience & the Road Ahead India's right-arm seamer Prasidh Krishna has also shared his thoughts on the newly appointed Test skipper, saying the young middle-order batter has created a 'very good atmosphere' in the dressing room. 'I think he did a pretty good job. All of us saw how he rotated the bowlers, made sure everybody had enough breaks, brought in people at the right times, and saw opportunities to bring in the right kind of bowlers. All of that was great, and knowing him, he set a very good atmosphere around. He's been speaking to all of us. We always go in with a plan, and the communication is happening there.' Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG: 'No brainer for India' — Michael Clarke's clear message to Gautam Gambhir before Edgbaston
India's head coach Gautam Gambhir (@BCCI via PTI Photo)(PTI06_08_2025_000305B) As India gears up for the crucial second Test against England at Edgbaston, changes in the playing XI seem certain after the defeat in the series opener. One major talking point is the workload management of Jasprit Bumrah , who may be rested for this match. Besides him, a couple more players could be left out as the team management led by Gautam Gambhir looks for a stronger combination to level the series. Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has made his stance clear about one change. He feels wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav simply must play the next match. Speaking on the Beyond23 Podcast, Clarke said including Kuldeep is an 'absolute no-brainer.' Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! India's bowlers struggled to make an impact at Headingley. While Bumrah stood out with his control and skill, his support cast of Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja , Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna could not maintain pressure or pick up wickets consistently. Clarke believes Kuldeep can solve that problem. Jasprit Bumrah Breathes Fire in the Nets | IND vs ENG 2nd Test Prep 'Bowling-wise, I do not want to single out anyone for blame, but India have to play Kuldeep Yadav. He is a genuine wicket-taker and could have made a big difference in the last Test,' Clarke said. Quiz: Who's that IPL player? Clarke also pointed out that India sometimes focus too much on extending their batting depth, even if it means dropping their frontline spinner. He feels that in English conditions, picking bowlers who can take 20 wickets should be the priority. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Smart Cooling Is Critical for Modern IT Infrastructure Modern IT Infrastructure | Search Ads Search Now Undo Echoing similar thoughts, former England batter Nick Knight has also backed Kuldeep's inclusion. Knight said England's aggressive batting approach could be tested by Kuldeep's variations, especially if the Edgbaston pitch offers even a hint of turn. Knight believes Kuldeep's presence could create match-defining moments if he hits his rhythm. The team announcement for the second Test is awaited, but calls for Kuldeep's return are only growing louder. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
MLC 2025: Mitchell Owen stars in Washington Freedom's win, ends San Francisco Unicorns' unbeaten streak
Mitchell Owen of Washington Freedom celebrates getting the wicket of Brody Couch of San Francisco Unicorns during match 19 of the Cognizant Major League Cricket season 3 between Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns held at the Grand Prairie cricket stadium, Grand Prairie, United States of America (USA). (Sportzpics) The San Francisco Unicorns' unbeaten streak in MLC 2025 finally came to an end, though they remain at the top of the points table, now holding their position only on the basis of a superior net run rate. Mitchell Owen's sensational five-wicket haul led Washington Freedom to a 12-run victory in Dallas on Saturday. Unicorns skipper Matthew Short continued his strong form with the bat as his side chased a modest target of 170—a score that looked manageable given recent high-scoring games. Despite little support from Finn Allen and Jake Fraser-McGurk, Unicorns reached 52 for 1 during the powerplay. Short eventually found some backing from Sanjay Krishnamurthi, but after Short fell in the 11th over for a commanding 67—out of the 97 total—the chase quickly unraveled. With only 73 required, the Unicorns' middle order appeared to be in control. That was when Owen took charge with the ball. He removed Short in his first over and then dismissed Hassan Khan and Romario Shepherd in successive deliveries soon after. Assisted by wickets from Jack Edwards and Ian Holland, the Unicorns collapsed to 113 for 7 by the 16th over. Owen returned in the 19th over to clean up tailenders Haris Rauf and Brody Couch, finishing with remarkable figures of 5 for 17. With 27 needed off the final over, Jahmar Hamilton fought valiantly with an unbeaten 31 from 18 balls, but Saurabh Netravalkar held his nerve, conceding only 14 runs to seal the win. Earlier, after choosing to bat, Freedom were in deep trouble at 13 for 3 inside three overs, courtesy of a fiery opening burst from Xavier Bartlett, who removed Owen (first ball), Rachin Ravindra, and Andries Gous. Glenn Maxwell fell cheaply, but Jack Edwards and Glenn Phillips steadied things with a 71-run stand off 64 balls. Phillips then shifted gears during a 31-run partnership in just 12 deliveries with Obus Pienaar. After Phillips departed for a 39-ball 58, Pienaar finished with an unbeaten 37 off 16 balls alongside Mukhtar Ahmed. Major League Cricket 2025 Explained: Teams, Schedule & Where to Watch Both teams now share six wins in seven matches, though the Unicorns boast a commanding net run rate advantage—2.016 compared to Washington's 0.603. Brief Scores Washington Freedom: 169/6 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 58, Jack Edwards 42, Obus Pienaar 30*; Xavier Bartlett 32/4, Romario Shepherd 28/1) San Francisco Unicorns: 157/9 in 20 overs (Matthew Short 67, Jahmar Hamilton 31*, Sanjay Krishnamurthi 24; Mitchell Owen 17/5, Ian Holland 23/1, Amila Aponso 23/1) Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
