Built Like Dan Quinn, Austin Ekeler Excited to Lead Commanders Culture Change; Opens Up on Jayden Daniels Chemistry at OTAs

A new city brings in excitement for the running back Austin Ekeler. The Washington Commanders announced this March that they have agreed to a two-year, $11.4 million deal with the RB shortly into his free-agency period.

Now that he is in a new team, fans are eager to know the answer to an obvious question – How is he feeling in Washington? To answer it, and reveal his thoughts on the changes and his new quarterback Jayden Daniels, Ekeler recently appeared in the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams.

Austin Ekeler building chemistry with Jayden Daniels!

In the Up & Adams Show, the host Kay Adams asked about Austin Ekeler’s transition from Chargers to Commanders, highlighting his excitement about his opportunity. Ekeler explained that the Chargers’ team-building strategy did not align with his playing style, as they preferred larger backs and a more run-heavy approach, while his strengths lie elsewhere. This led to a mutual decision for him to move on and seek a place where he could maximize his talents.

Ekeler praised Commanders’ coach Dan Quinn, describing him as an energetic and intense leader who focuses on establishing a strong team culture. According to him, Quinn emphasizes clear expectations, protection of the team, and effective communication, which he found impressive and motivating. Ekeler said that he “feel very blessed and very fortunate to be playing on his team,” as he is built like the coach’s expectations.

Regarding rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, Ekeler spoke highly of their developing chemistry in OTAs. He mentioned how they are getting comfortable with each other through practice reps. The 29-year-old said that they are “meshing together….I’m getting comfortable with him, he’s getting comfortable with me and it’s allowing me to play faster. But then also I’m seeing him build trust in myself to hit me on some better routes and stuff like that so it’s gonna be an exciting time.”

Ekeler is excited about Daniels’ talent and leadership potential, noting that their growing connection is promising for the team’s future performance. Additionally, being his best friend, Ekeler will turn out to be useful for the new quarterback’s journey in the team.

Austin to be a mentor for the rookie QB?

The NFL is a quarterback driven league, and the Commanders’ success under Dan Quinn’s leadership depends on Jayden Daniels’ performance. Veteran running back Austin Ekeler is said to be Daniels’ key supporter and mentor. Ekeler, known for his dynamic playmaking, declared himself Daniels’ “Best Friend,” emphasizing his ability to excel in multiple roles. He said, “I feel like I’ve been a Swiss army knife. Whatever you put me in, whatever role it is, I can play that role.”

He continued, “I have a lot of skill sets and I could be used in a multitude of ways, which is kind of where I feel like I’m the quarterback’s best friend.” Ekeler’s role with the Commanders is to be a versatile weapon and a mentor for Daniels. He focuses on helping young QBs understand their role and instilling the proper culture and expectations.

Hence, Ekeler’s experience and hands-on approach will provide a blueprint for Daniels’ development and set a standard for the team. Now it remains to be seen how well this duo comes up this season.