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What Commanders Oc David Blough, Dc Daronte Jones Said About Washington Entering Week 3

The injury to Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels remained front-of-mind on Thursday, as we continue to wait on a formal prognosis on when the third-year pro might return.

The Commanders will carry on with Marcus Mariota as their primary quarterback and must find a way to perform better in a Week 3 home game against the Seattle Seahawks and find the first win.

Offensive coordinator David Blough and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones are tasked with the project and spoke to the media during their weekly press conferences.

Blough talked about his trust in Mariota and how the Commanders run game got going in a loss to Dallas. Jones spoke about being more efficient, limiting explosive plays and getting better in-game communication designed to avoid big plays being allowed.

Here’s what they had to say on Thursday:

David Blough

Working with Marcus Mariota

David Blough: Marcus has owned it in running our system, we’re excited to let him loose pic.twitter.com/KETkXybne0
— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) September 24, 2026

Getting Terry McLaurin going:

Blough believes the production will come from Terry McLaurin eventually. He’s sticking to the process and trusting the system. Blough added that the staff will do whatever they can to help get him going
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) September 24, 2026

Seahawks defense:

David Blough addressing the media. “Certainly have our hands full” with a talented Seattle defense, but they are ready for the challenge
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) September 24, 2026

OL injuries:

David Blough on OL injurieschallenges: Its how do we put our players in a position of success, were not reflecting on what we don't
— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) September 24, 2026

Trick plays:

Blough on running multiple receiver trick plays in one drive vs. Cowboys:

"I think philosophically speaking, we view them as normal plays … so if we think that's the best opportunity for us to convert on a third and long, we'll let it rip."
— Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) September 24, 2026

Dyami Brown outsnapping Stefon Diggs/Antonio Williams:

Blough on Dyami Brown getting more snaps than Antonio Williams & Stefon Diggs vs. Cowboys:

"Some games turn into, 'Hey, we're down two scores, and it's a lot of 11 personnel, and they're splitting a lot of the reps."

cont.
— Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) September 24, 2026

"And Dyami has a lot of built-up trust. Treylon, Antonio, Jaylin … a lot of these guys have a lot of built-up trust that we certainly, in those moments, feel comfortable going to. It's just the way last Sunday happened to play out."
— Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) September 24, 2026

Learning from failed plays:

Blough on learning from plays that don't pan out:

"When a play doesn't work, I reflect on it myself as what could I call differently, or how could I have taught it better to to help make it work"
— Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) September 24, 2026

Offensive production:

Thru 2 games the Commanders offense ranks 11th in yards but 18th in points. David Blough says "We're making the progress we want to see" but obviously wants improvement
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) September 24, 2026

Daronte Jones

Generating more turnovers:

I asked Commanders Defensive Coordinator Daronte Jones about the Commanders lack of turnovers through two games —

Jones believes turnovers are coming. pic.twitter.com/Gz9GSAEIhs
— Marshall Kramsky (@marshallkramsky) September 24, 2026

Coverage:

Daronte Jones on coverage: gotta look at whats in and let’s take some things off their plate so they can lineup and play fast, emphasis on that communication has to be there pic.twitter.com/6oMGWWECJB
— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) September 24, 2026

Improved communication is key:

Daronte Jones puts the onus on "communication" issues for coverage breakdowns last week. pic.twitter.com/S7HsucYSzm
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) September 24, 2026

Daronte Jones has repeatedly brought up the Commanders' communication breakdowns on defense. Asked if such issues are commonplace for a team still learning his system, he said: "We have high standards. In the mindset of our standards, it's out of the ordinary."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 24, 2026

Daronte Jones mentioned "communication" 25 times in his 15 minute presser this morning.

That seems to be what he believes is at the crux of his unit's issues
— Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) September 24, 2026

Simplifying playcalls:

#Commanders DC Daronte Jones said they'll be aiming to simplify some of their calls in an effort to improve communication throughout the defense.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) September 24, 2026

Possible lineup changes:

Daronte Jones on when it's time to think lineup changes:

"You've got to first dive into why is it happening, and then if it's become 'Hey, this guy's just not doing what we're asking him to do, then you may have to make a personnel change in that regards" pic.twitter.com/GoGcp2n4xv
— Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) September 24, 2026

Nick Cross’ injury:

Daronte Jones said Nick Cross is obviously a tough loss that will require some maneuvering with personnel
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) September 24, 2026

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