Jayden Daniels discusses the “tough” loss of Kliff Kingsbury and why David Blough’s “Ben Johnson-style” offense has him excited.

SAN FRANCISCO — Speaking publicly for the first time since the Washington Commanders moved on from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and promoted former assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough to the position, quarterback Jayden Daniels says “it’s tough” to see the one leave, but is excited for what’s to come.

Speaking on ‘PFT Live‘ in San Francisco during the week leading up to the Super Bowl, the Commanders’ quarterback said, “Obviously, you know, I trust what the organization’s doing,” while acknowledging that it was hard to see Kingsbury dismissed after two seasons, one of which produced a trip to the NFC Championship Game.

In spite of that difficulty, Daniels has also found reason to be “super excited” about Blough’s elevation, citing his familiarity and relationship with the coach that he has built during both of their first two seasons in Washington together.

Appearing later on ‘Get Loud‘, an in-house Commanders production, Daniels expanded on his thoughts about Blough, saying, “Obviously, he knows me… So we kind of could bounce ideas and build his offense together.”


Daniels expects “Ben Johnson” influence on offense

In his many media appearances this week, the quarterback made it clear he expects Blough to bring his own style to the offense, integrating elements of both Kingsbury’s and Ben Johnson’s offenses, among others. 

During his playing career, Blough played for the Detroit Lions, while Johnson was climbing the coaching ranks, becoming an offensive coordinator and eventually the head coach of the Chicago Bears. The anticipation that Johnson’s style would have rubbed off on Blough and be integrated into the offense in Washington this season has been discussed, of course, but to hear Daniels bring up the name adds a deeper level of reality to the expectation.

According to Daniels, Blough told him, “We want to build this offense for you,” and given Johnson’s history of being able to construct new offenses whenever his personnel has changed makes starting with the quarterback — otherwise known as the focal point of an offense — who many believe to be one of the best young talents in the league today, a big bonus.


Practice games of “P.I.G.” built crucial bond

For two years now, I, among the other reporters in attendance, got to watch as Daniels and Blough often competed in games of ‘P.I.G.’, a version of the popular game ‘H.O.R.S.E.’ that they couldn’t play because it would take too long, since neither likes to miss a shot. 

Of course, instead of a basketball and a hoop, it’s a football and a trash can, and no matter who wins, we can always count on plenty of trash talking, no pun intended.

A solid relationship is step one of the process, and one Washington gets to skip. That fact is a major part of why many are excited about what’s to come, as fear of Daniels having to relearn his NFL surroundings after Kingsbury’s departure was soothed by Blough’s hiring.


Fixing the “Money Downs” in 2026

While Daniels was in San Francisco taking in the festivities surrounding the big game, he didn’t lose sight of what’s most important to his future. Asked what it is he wants to get better at in 2026, Daniels answered by saying, “the money downs,” those third-down opportunities to extend drives and eventually put up points.

The Commanders were near the bottom of the league on third downs in 2025, after finishing in the top 10 in 2024.

Daniels and Blough are a duo that promises to bring a new and improved version of the Washington offense in 2026. One that knows what the quarterback is already good at, but has a few tricks up its sleeves to expand that resume even further. 

It may be months away from being unveiled, but given the relationship between coach and player, it’s already years in the making when it comes to development.