Washington Commanders Labeled a “Washed-Up” Team — Jayden Daniels Fires Back with Confident Response
The Washington Commanders have spent the past several weeks under heavy scrutiny, with multiple national analysts suggesting the franchise is “washed up,” “directionless,” or “years away from contending.” Much of the criticism has centered around the team’s inconsistent performances and the significant roster turnover that followed the organization’s sweeping changes earlier this year. But rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels isn’t buying any of it — and he isn’t staying quiet either.
Daniels, who has taken on the starting role with surprising poise for a first-year player, addressed the criticism head-on after practice on Thursday. While acknowledging the team’s flaws, he made it clear he refuses to accept the narrative that Washington is a fading franchise.
“People can say whatever they want about us,” Daniels said. “But nobody in this locker room feels like we’re ‘washed up.’ We’re building something. It might not be perfect yet, but it’s real, and it’s moving in the right direction.”
Daniels’ remarks come at a time when the Commanders have been the target of multiple opinion pieces questioning the competitiveness of the roster and the organization’s long-term strategy. Critics have pointed to defensive inconsistency, offensive line issues, and the team’s inability to close out tight games. Yet despite the noise, the rookie quarterback has emerged as one of the brightest spots of Washington’s season, showcasing maturity, accuracy, and a steady command of the offense.
He emphasized that the outside chatter has zero impact on how he approaches his job.
“We hear it, sure,” Daniels added. “But it doesn’t define us. What defines us is how we respond, how we fight, and how we grow. That’s what we control.”
Teammates praised Daniels for stepping up and addressing the criticism, with several veterans noting that his confidence has helped stabilize the locker room. Coaches have also highlighted his leadership as a reason they believe the team is further along than public perception suggests.
For a franchise eager to turn the page and build a new identity, Daniels’ mentality might be exactly what Washington needs. The Commanders may still be in the early stages of a rebuild, but if their young quarterback’s voice is any indication, they’re far from done — and far from “washed up.”
Saquon Barkley's demanding call out of Eagles' offense with running game issues
Here are Philadelphia Eagles fans again reading about the criticisms of the offense and how the running game. Eagles fans thought they had passed this.
During Week 10's 10-7 win over the Green Bay Packers, the Eagles regressed significantly in the running game, rushing for just 111 yards at an average of 3.3 yards per carry. That includes Eagles running back Saquon Barkley struggling to get anything going with his 22 carries for 60 yards with an average of 2.7 yards per carry.
When the media was huddled up in front of his locker room, Barkley, just like every other week, was asked about the running game issues. Barkley's frustration was showing as he knows the offense has to improve with that.
"Being honest, we have to do a better job of adjusting. That's something we're focusing on — trying to find new ways to get the run game going. Not just the run game going, get the offense going, being consistent. It starts with all of us, from top to bottom."
Saquon Barkley on the way defenses are stopping the run: "Being honest, we have to do a better job of adjusting. That's something we're focusing on — trying to find new ways to get the run game going. Not just the run game going, get the offense going, being consistent. It starts…
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) November 13, 2025
Eagles fans thought they were passed the running game issues
Remember rushing for 276 yards in Week 8 against the New York Giants? All that momentum was lost within two weeks of being off.
The Eagles are now ranked 21st in the NFL in rushing yards per game with 111.6. Barkley isn't even in the top 10 in rushing yards (579) or rushing touchdowns (four). He actually ranks 144th in rushing yards per carry with 3.9.
Technically, the numbers are improving after weeks of the offense averaging less than 100 rushing yards per game, but they are still well below the average where they need to be. So, what's going on that the offense can get the running game going?
Simply put, the creativity isn't there for the Eagles. Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo has become too predictable with his play-calling, to the point where defenses know what's coming next.
Barkley is barely on pace to hit the 1,000-yard mark on the season, which to most would be a great season, but his standards are higher than everyone else's. Patullo had better figure something out because he's on the hot seat with the city of Philadelphia.
