Zach Ertz is experiencing a career resurgence with the Washington Commanders, and he’s betting on Jayden Daniels to help take his game to another level. Things are looking up in the nation’s capital, and the veteran tight end believes his quarterback is just getting started.
Commanders’ Zach Ertz Shared Jayden Daniels’ Offseaon Metamorphsis
Ertz is a three-time Pro Bowler who, in 2024, posted his best numbers since 2019. Last year, he finished with a total of 66 receptions for 654 yards and seven touchdowns. His numbers had him ranked second on the team in each category, just behind stud wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
For the most part, the Commanders are returning with much of the same core from the 2024-25 season. Following an incredible run to the NFC Championship Game, expectations have soared. The game was their first appearance in the conference title match since winning the Super Bowl in 1991.
Most can attribute the Commanders’ success to Daniels, who came in as a rookie and delivered one of the most electrifying performances in league history. Daniels ultimately won Offensive Rookie of the Year and set a new rushing record for quarterbacks (891 yards). Of course, this means the Commanders will be facing a much tougher road in 2025.
Simply put, they are no longer underdogs but have become the team to beat. Ertz recognizes the pressure of the upcoming season. During almost a decade with the Philadelphia Eagles, the tight end earned three Pro Bowl honors and the standing record for most single-season receptions by a tight end (116). After a short stay with the Arizona Cardinals and the Detroit Lions, Ertz has brought his talent to a division rival in Washington.
Despite losing the title game to his former team, Ertz isn’t dwelling on the past. The tight end spoke in a one-on-one interview with RG about moving forward. “Last year is last year,” Ertz said. “The key now is execution, who’s more efficient, who protects the football, and who makes explosive plays.” Instead, he seems to feel extremely comfortable, particularly because he has Daniels at the helm.
Why Does Ertz Feel More Comfortable with Daniels?
Speaking about his quarterback, Ertz specifically said, “He’s always had confidence in himself. His confidence is from how he approaches the game. His confidence is from how hard he works, how he studies film, how he talks about the game with his teammates.”
Ertz continued, “Now he’s got a full year, year-plus under his belt as a Commander, just so much more comfortable. When you go out on the practice field, there’s no surprise what’s going to happen. Just for me, I’ve enjoyed every bit of working with him. This off-season, we had a great OTAs. The other work that we see on Sundays in the fall starts in OTAs together.”
Of course, another reason for Daniels’ confidence heading into the 2025 season is the addition of Deebo Samuel. The former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver brings elite playmaking ability, having racked up more than 1,700 yards from scrimmage in a previous season.
Ertz praised Samuel alongside other Commanders, stating that “With guys like McLaurin, [Austin] Ekeler, [Brian] Robinson, and now Deebo, we’ve got something special.” And all in all, with Kliff Kingsbury coaching and Daniels taking the snaps, Ertz’s optimism heading into 2025 is certainly justified.
