Some of Samuel’s effectiveness and comfort level in the Commanders’ offense can be traced back to his relationship with Daniels, which has been evolving since their first practices together in the offseason. Daniels targeted Samuel on his first throw of OTAs, which resulted in a touchdown, and since then, the two have spent extra time together learning how to blend their skill sets.
“I mean time is everything; time is of the essence,” Daniels said. “So, for us it’s like, man, the more we talk, the more we hang out in the locker room, guys get closer, you start completing some passes on and off the field and you talk about different things so you can see it through the eyes of me and he’s doing a great job.”
It’s not a secret the Commanders have been trying to get him the ball, particularly with all the injuries they have endured to start the season. He has as many targets in the passing game as Zach Ertz and McLaurin combined and more yards after the catch than the next three Commanders players combined.
Despite that, the Commanders continue to have their most success when they get him the ball. Washington’s quarterbacks have a combined passer rating of 125.9, which not only leads the team but is also tied for 16th in the league.
“He can play outside, he can play inside, he can play running back, he can do it kind of all,” Kingsbury said. “And I think that allows me as a play caller and us as an offensive staff to be creative and how we get him the ball and continue to try and find ways to do that.”
Quinn disagrees with the belief that Samuel is the only Commanders receiver opponents have to worry about right now, but so far, Samuel has fit the role the Commanders wanted him to when they added him to the roster. Washington emphasizes trying to put players into positions that best highlight their traits. Samuel happens to do a little of everything, and that’s “so much fun” for Quinn and the rest of the team to witness.
“I love the energy and the toughness that he brings to the team,” Quinn said. “And yeah, we’re going to try to put him in as many spots as we can to make his impact, and he’s always down for that.”