Jayden Daniels Named Week 1 Starter for Commanders
In a move that caught the attention of the entire NFL, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn officially named Jayden Daniels as the team's starting quarterback for Week 1. The announcement, made on Monday, comes after a preseason where Daniels showcased his prowess and readiness to lead.
"I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command," said Quinn. This endorsement from Quinn speaks volumes about Daniels' performance and his potential impact as he steps into the limelight.
Daniels' impressive preseason stat line includes completing 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards in a game against the Miami Dolphins. He also added 13 yards on the ground, further demonstrating his dual-threat capability. His leadership on the field was evident as he led the Commanders into scoring positions during both of his drives, which resulted in field goal attempts. Additionally, in a game against the New York Jets, Daniels scored a touchdown on a 3-yard keeper, highlighting his ability to execute in critical moments.
Daniels' potential was already well known from his collegiate career at LSU, where his performance was nothing short of spectacular. He threw for 3,812 yards and ran for an additional 1,134 yards last season. His contributions included an astounding 50 total touchdowns, with a remarkable completion rate of over 72%. With only four interceptions throughout the season, he demonstrated exceptional decision-making skills, underscoring his readiness for the professional level.
Selected as the No. 2 overall pick and crowned the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, Daniels entered the Commanders' training camp with high expectations. Initially sharing first-team reps with veteran Marcus Mariota, Daniels quickly emerged as the frontrunner. By the second week of camp, Daniels was taking the majority of first-team reps, and since then, he's taken almost every first-team snap.
Daniels' rise to the starting position also speaks to his competitive spirit and work ethic. "No, I like competing. I'm a competitor, so regardless if I was announced the starter or not, you still got to compete. You still can't be content with your job, comfortable. I think it is just your job to seal the deal. You got to go out there and compete," Daniels stated, epitomizing his never-settle attitude.
His impact has not gone unnoticed by his teammates, particularly wide receiver Jahan Dotson, who praised Daniels' precision. "He's putting the ball in places where it makes our job so much easier because he is putting it where only you can get it, and the defender has no play on it. You truly got to cherish stuff like that and be thankful for it because not everyone can do that," Dotson remarked. Such chemistry between quarterback and receiver is crucial for the Commanders as they aim to break their streak of having a different Week 1 starting quarterback for the past seven seasons.
The Commanders’ journey begins with a showdown against Tampa Bay on September 8. With Jayden Daniels at the helm, Washington fans are eager to see if his collegiate success and preseason promise will translate into regular-season victories. Daniels steps into a role previously held by quarterbacks such as Sam Howell in 2023 and Kirk Cousins in 2017, both of whom left their marks on the team.
As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on Daniels to see if he can lead the Commanders to new heights. Given his track record and the confidence expressed by both his coach and teammates, there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the young quarterback. Whether he can deliver under the pressures of the NFL will be the ultimate test, but one thing is certain: Jayden Daniels is ready for the challenge.