Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt offered a few backhanded compliments and a less-than-flattering evaluation of Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels ahead of their Week 3 Monday Night Football matchup. The Bengals and Commanders are set to face off at Paycor Stadium on September 23.
Taylor-Britt downplayed the rookie’s abilities, saying Daniels has appeared “composed” only because the Commanders have kept things simple for him. “They don’t make him do a lot,” Taylor-Britt noted, adding that Washington runs a “nice college offense,” according to ESPN’s Ben Baby.
Bengals CB Cam Taylor-Britt broke down Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels’ game: “They don’t make him do a lot. They keep it really simple for him. Nice college offense. (Kliff) Kingsbury’s the OC.” pic.twitter.com/CeJKATlzmF
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 20, 2024
Even when Taylor-Britt acknowledged something positive about Daniels’ play, he quickly undermined it, saying, “I heard his pass percentage is very high, but he’s only throwing short routes, some intermediate stuff.”
The underlying message is clear: Taylor-Britt sees Daniels as a limited QB1, relying on a basic offense to look effective.
Whether it’s genuine trash talk or just a blunt assessment of what he’s observed on film, this isn’t the first time Taylor-Britt has downplayed an opponent. Regardless of his intent, his remarks provide perfect bulletin-board material for Daniels and the Commanders heading into Monday night.
Cam Taylor-Britt’s Words Should Motivate Jayden Daniels
Taylor-Britt is never one to hold back his opinions. Fresh off minimizing the abilities of Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy, he didn’t hesitate to downplay Worthy’s skills ahead of their Week 2 matchup.
When asked about Worthy, Taylor-Britt bluntly remarked, “He’s got speed, that’s about it. He can run straight. Run jet sweeps and just run straight. He can’t do too much else, that’s about it,” according to WCPO 9’s Caleb Noe.
“Speed … He can run straight.”
— Bengals CB Cam Taylor-Britt, on what Xavier Worthy adds to the KC Chiefs offense#Bengals #Chiefs@WCPO pic.twitter.com/E6BDEE7ZZj
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) September 11, 2024
Receiving some similarly unflattering comments from Taylor-Britt should serve as motivation for Daniels. The second overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft has the talent and credentials to rise above the limitations Taylor-Britt suggested.
However, Daniels must be cautious not to get too eager in challenging Taylor-Britt. The Bengals’ cornerback, wearing No. 29, showcased his ability to shut down targets like Worthy, even pulling off a spectacular one-handed interception in their previous matchup.
HOLY 😱 What an INT by @CamTaylorBritt_!
📺: #CINvsKC on CBS/Paramount
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/f7r9MeCGIv— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
The Commanders and Daniels have a more experienced wideout who could challenge Taylor-Britt, but that will only be possible if offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury opens up the playbook and expands the offense.
Commanders Need to Add to the Offense
Like it or not, there’s some truth to Taylor-Britt’s critique, particularly when it comes to the Commanders’ inability to effectively attack all levels of the field through the air.
Daniels is averaging just 4.5 intended air yards per attempt, according to Pro Football Reference, and his 2.2 completed air yards per throw highlight his reliance on short, conservative passes. For the Commanders to unlock their offense, they need Daniels to start stretching the field, which means getting his top receiver, Terry McLaurin, more involved.
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has struggled to create opportunities for McLaurin, failing to get him into space. Meanwhile, Daniels understands that defenses are keying in on the four-time 1,000-yard receiver. It’s a catch-22: McLaurin is the team’s most reliable playmaker, so he naturally draws extra attention. But defenses can double-team him more easily if Kingsbury doesn’t find ways to move him around and create mismatches.
The Commanders are smart to protect Daniels with short passes and moving pockets, but his development as a pro passer requires more sophisticated offensive schemes. While check-down options like tight end Zach Ertz and running back Austin Ekeler help keep Daniels efficient, it’s McLaurin who can provide the big-play potential that’s been lacking.
