Jayden Daniels Named Commanders' Week 1 Starting QB
In an announcement that reverberated through the Commanders' training camp, head coach Dan Quinn named Jayden Daniels as the starting quarterback for Week 1. The proclamation, made on Monday, cements a remarkable rise for a young quarterback who has captured the attention and confidence of the coaching staff.
Daniels' preseason performance all but sealed his starting role. He completed 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards in a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. Demonstrating his dual-threat capability, Daniels added 13 rushing yards, showcasing a blend of arm strength and mobility. Leading the team into scoring position on both of his two drives, Daniels' efforts resulted in field goal attempts and underscored his knack for clutch playmaking.
His earlier preseason contribution was no less impressive. Facing the New York Jets in the opening week, Daniels scored a touchdown on a 3-yard keeper, hinting at his versatility and readiness for the regular season.
Reflecting on Daniels' rapid ascent, Coach Dan Quinn remarked, "I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command."
The statistics from Daniels’ collegiate career at LSU are nothing short of stellar. Last season, he threw for 3,812 yards and added another 1,134 yards on the ground. His performance included 50 total touchdowns and a completion rate of over 72%, throwing just four interceptions. Such numbers likely contributed to his selection as the No. 2 overall pick and winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
Initially sharing first-team reps with veteran Marcus Mariota during training camp, Daniels' talent quickly became apparent. By the second week of camp, he was taking the majority of first-team reps and has maintained that trajectory ever since.
This decision by Quinn aligns with a striking trend for the Commanders, who have named a different starting quarterback in Week 1 for the past seven seasons. Sam Howell held the role last year, following a history that included Kirk Cousins in 2017.
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson, one of Daniels' primary targets, expressed excitement over the young quarterback's precision, saying, "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."
Daniels himself remains grounded despite the buzz surrounding his new role. "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," he stated, echoing a mindset focused on continuous improvement.
The Washington Commanders are set to kick off their season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8. With Daniels at the helm, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can translate his impressive preseason and college performances into NFL success.