Jayden Daniels Named Commanders' Week 1 Starting Quarterback
In a bold and decisive move, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has named Jayden Daniels as the team's starting quarterback for Week 1 of the upcoming NFL season. The announcement, made on Monday, marks a significant moment for the franchise which has had a different Week 1 starter every year for the past seven seasons.
"I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command," Quinn noted, clearly impressed with Daniels' rapid development and on-field leadership. The decision comes after an impressive preseason and training camp performance from Daniels.
Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft and the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, showcased his talent and composure during preseason action. In the game against the Miami Dolphins, he completed 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards and added 13 yards on the ground. More notably, Daniels led Washington into scoring positions on both of his drives, demonstrating his ability to manage the game effectively under pressure.
In addition to his preseason prowess, Daniels' college performance last season was nothing short of extraordinary. At LSU, Daniels threw for 3,812 yards, ran for an additional 1,134 yards, and scored a total of 50 touchdowns. His ability to protect the football was equally impressive, with a completion rate of over 72% and just four interceptions across the season. These statistics have translated into high expectations for his rookie NFL season.
Initially, during training camp, Daniels split first-team reps with veteran Marcus Mariota. However, by the second week of camp, Daniels began receiving the majority of first-team reps. Since then, he has taken almost every first-team snap, solidifying his position as the leading candidate for the starting role. Daniels’ ascension to the starting quarterback role has not come without effort and determination.
"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 stated, reflecting his relentless drive and competitive spirit.
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson also spoke highly of the young quarterback's precision and decision-making skills. "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, emphasizing the positive impact Daniels has on the team's offensive execution.
The Commanders' first test with Daniels at the helm will come against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8. This game will not only be a significant moment for Daniels but also a crucial one for the franchise as they look to break the cycle of instability at the quarterback position. Last year, Sam Howell started Week 1 for the Commanders, while Kirk Cousins held the position in 2017.
Daniels' ability to lead Washington to victory in the preseason game against the New York Jets, where he scored a touchdown on a 3-yard keeper, hints at his potential to bring stability and success to the Commanders. The upcoming season holds tremendous promise for the team, and much of that optimism is tied to the performance and growth of their new starting quarterback.
As the Commanders prepare for the season opener, all eyes will be on Jayden Daniels. His rapid rise and impressive preseason showings have set the stage for what could be a transformative year for the franchise. If Daniels continues to perform at the high level he has demonstrated thus far, Washington fans may finally witness the dawn of a new era of quarterback stability and success.