Jayden Daniels Named Starting Quarterback for Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have officially found their Week 1 starting quarterback in Jayden Daniels. Head coach Dan Quinn made the announcement on Monday, solidifying Daniels' position after a remarkable preseason and an impressive college career.
Daniels proved his mettle in the preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, completing 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards. Showing versatility, he also added 13 rushing yards, displaying the dual-threat capability that made him a standout at LSU. As a signal-caller, Daniels led the Commanders into scoring position on both of his drives, resulting in field goal attempts. His prowess was further highlighted in the opening week of the preseason against the New York Jets, where he scored a touchdown on a 3-yard keeper.
Reflecting on Daniels' performance, Coach Quinn remarked, "I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command." Such praise isn't given lightly, especially from a seasoned coach like Quinn, underlining the confidence the team has in Daniels going into the regular season.
Daniels' stellar college career certainly set the stage for this moment. At LSU, he threw for an astounding 3,812 yards last season. His mobility was just as impressive, accumulating 1,134 rushing yards. With an astonishing 50 total touchdowns and a completion rate of over 72%, Daniels’ efficiency and explosiveness were undeniable. Remarkably, he threw just four interceptions, demonstrating his precision and decision-making skills.
Adding to his accolades, Daniels enters the NFL as the No. 2 overall pick and the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, a combination that speaks volumes about his potential and expectations at the professional level. Initially splitting first-team reps with veteran Marcus Mariota during training camp, Daniels quickly rose to the occasion. By the second week of camp, he earned the majority of first-team reps and has since taken almost every first-team snap.
Daniels’ ascension comes at a pertinent time for the Commanders, who have had a different Week 1 starting quarterback every year for the past seven seasons. Last year's starter, Sam Howell, and 2017 starter, Kirk Cousins, were among those who took on the role in previous years. This ongoing rotation highlights the franchise's struggle for stability at the quarterback position, a void they believe Daniels is poised to fill.
One of the key beneficiaries of Daniels' precision passing is wide receiver Jahan Dotson, who had high praise for his new quarterback: "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."
For his part, Daniels remains grounded and focused on the task ahead. "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 of your job, comfortable. I think it is just your job to seal the deal. You got to go out there and compete," Daniels commented, exhibiting the mindset that has helped him reach this point.
The Washington Commanders will look to break their quarterback carousel as they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8. With Jayden Daniels under center, a new era begins for the franchise, one filled with potential and anticipation.