to hit the defender, necessarily. It simply means there are multiple directions Daniels could have kicked the ball. Two good things can happen if he angles it toward the sideline while the receiver runs a go:

1.) You angle the ball out of bounds and avoid a touchback.
2.) There is a small chance that it hits the defender and you can recover it. It is also worth noting that the chance of a ricochet and recovery is probably higher than a normal punt, because the defense is not expecting it.

Good play calls maximize good outcomes/minimize bad outcomes.