Daniels Named Commanders' Week 1 Starting Quarterback
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has officially named Jayden Daniels as the team's starting quarterback for Week 1. The announcement came on Monday, solidifying Daniels' place as the leader of the team's offensive unit heading into the new NFL season.
Daniels' rise to the starting role has been meteoric. During the preseason, he delivered a strong performance, completing 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards in a game against the Miami Dolphins. Demonstrating his dual-threat capability, Daniels also added 13 rushing yards. His performance was instrumental in leading Washington into scoring positions on both drives, resulting in field goal attempts. Additionally, Daniels showcased his athleticism early on, scoring a touchdown on a 3-yard keeper during the opening week of the preseason against the New York Jets.
Daniels' impressive stats are not confined to the preseason. Last season at LSU, he threw for a staggering 3,812 yards and ran for an additional 1,134 yards. His efforts culminated in 50 total touchdowns, a completion rate of over 72%, and only four interceptions, highlighting his precision and decision-making skills. These achievements were pivotal in earning him the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
Reflecting on Daniels' readiness, Coach Dan Quinn expressed his admiration, stating, "I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command."
This sentiment was echoed by Daniels, who emphasized his competitive nature: "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 initially shared first-team reps with veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota during training camp. However, by the second week of camp, Daniels began receiving the majority of first-team reps. By the third week, he was consistently taking almost every first-team rep, solidifying his role as the team's leader on offense.
The decision to name Daniels as the starter marks a significant moment for the Commanders, especially given their recent history. The team has had a different Week 1 starting quarterback every year for the past seven seasons, a testament to the instability at the position. Last season, Sam Howell was the starting quarterback, while Kirk Cousins held the position back in 2017. This revolving door at quarterback underlines the importance of finding a consistent and reliable leader, which the team hopes Daniels can be.
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson praised Daniels' ability to place the ball accurately, enhancing the effectiveness of the team's offensive plays. "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 Commanders will be tested early as they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8. The team, alongside their new starting quarterback, will be looking to make a strong statement and set the tone for the season. With Daniels at the helm, combined with his commendable preseason performance and strong training camp showing, the Commanders are optimistic about their prospects for the upcoming NFL season.