The sequence unfolded after Daniels was forced out of the pocket by San Francisco's defensive pressure. As he scrambled to his right with defenders, including linebacker Fred Warner, in pursuit, a flag was thrown on the play. With no open receivers and unable to secure the first down with his legs, the quarterback chose to discard the pass. It was later revealed that the penalty was an illegal shift against Washington, rather than a defensive offsides, leading the 49ers to decline the penalty following the incompletion.
Learning moments for the rookie quarterback
Quinn noted that he has discussed the play with Daniels, stressing the importance of maintaining aggression even when a flag is on the field. The head coach explained that players should continue to pursue a completion because the outcome of a penalty is never guaranteed. Daniels admitted he was uncertain whether the flag would go against the defense or his own team, which influenced his decision-making in the heat of the moment.
This incident follows a high-pressure situation from the previous week, where Daniels was tackled as time expired in overtime, missing an opportunity for a game-winning field goal attempt. While both Quinn and offensive coordinator David Blough took responsibility for that earlier clock-management error, the focus remains on Daniels' development within the team's offensive scheme.
Despite the frustration surrounding the fourth-down play, Daniels delivered a productive performance, completing 29-of-40 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns. He was instrumental in a second-half rally that saw Washington overcome a 20-3 halftime deficit to threaten the 49ers' lead late in the game. Quinn acknowledged the duality of the rookie's performance, noting that while there are moments where Daniels displays elite ability, there are also instances where he must stick to his reads.
Daniels, who is currently playing with a brace on his left elbow following a dislocation in Week 2, finished the game with 10 rushing yards on four carries. Looking ahead, Quinn expressed a desire to see the quarterback incorporate more scramble-to-throw plays into his game as he continues to adapt to the offense. Ultimately, the coaching staff remains impressed by the unique playmaking ability Daniels brings to the field, even as he navigates the complexities of his first professional season.
