Jayden Daniels Named Commanders' Week 1 Starting Quarterback
On Monday, the Washington Commanders' head coach, Dan Quinn, made a significant announcement that has the potential to redefine the team's season. After a rigorous preseason and training camp, Jayden Daniels has been named the Commanders' Week 1 starting quarterback. This decision solidifies Daniels' transition from college standout to professional signal-caller.
Daniels' journey to the starting position has been marked by impressive performances both in college and throughout the preseason. Last season at LSU, Daniels was nothing short of spectacular. He threw for 3,812 yards with a completion rate of over 72%. Adding to his versatility, he ran for an additional 1,134 yards. Collectively, he accounted for 50 total touchdowns and threw just four interceptions. This stellar season earned him the 2024 Heisman Trophy, making him the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.
Throughout training camp, Daniels initially split first-team reps with veteran Marcus Mariota. However, by the second week of camp, Daniels received the majority of first-team reps, eventually taking almost every snap with the first team. Dan Quinn acknowledged Daniels' rapid ascent, stating, "I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command."
Daniels' preseason performances further solidified Quinn's decision. In the preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, Daniels completed 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards and contributed 13 yards on the ground. On both of his drives, he led Washington into scoring position, resulting in field goal attempts. Additionally, he showcased his mobility with a 3-yard keeper for a touchdown in the opening preseason week against the New York Jets.
Despite the announcement, Daniels remains humble and focused. "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 emphasized.
Daniels' teammates have been quick to praise his skill set and work ethic. Jahan Dotson, a wide receiver for the Commanders, lauded Daniels' accuracy and 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.
The decision to start Daniels also marks a significant shift for the Commanders, who have faced instability at the quarterback position for years. The team has had a different Week 1 starting quarterback each of the past seven seasons. Sam Howell held the position in 2023, and before him, players like Kirk Cousins in 2017 sought to bring consistency and success to the role. With Daniels, the team hopes to finally establish a long-term solution under center.
All eyes will be on Daniels as he makes his official debut in the Commanders' season opener against Tampa Bay on September 8. The game presents an opportunity to see if his preseason performance can translate into the regular season. For now, the Commanders and their fans have reason to be optimistic about the future with Jayden Daniels leading the charge.