Daniels Named Commanders' Week 1 Starting Quarterback
The Washington Commanders made a significant announcement Monday, naming Jayden Daniels as their Week 1 starting quarterback. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the decision after Daniels showcased his skills during the preseason, completing an impressive 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards in a game against the Miami Dolphins. Daniels also demonstrated his mobility by adding 13 yards on the ground in the same match.
His performance didn't just end with numbers. Daniels showed an innate ability to lead the offense, driving Washington into scoring position on both of his drives, which resulted in field goal attempts. His prowess was similarly evident in the opening week of the preseason against the New York Jets, where he scored a touchdown on a 3-yard keeper.
A Standout Season at LSU
Daniels’ ascent to the starting role comes on the heels of an outstanding season at LSU. Last year, he threw for 3,812 yards and added another 1,134 yards on the ground. His dual-threat capability led to 50 total touchdowns and an impressive completion rate of over 72%. What’s more, he threw just four interceptions all season, a testament to his precision and decision-making abilities.
As the No. 2 overall pick and the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, Daniels entered the Commanders' training camp amid much anticipation. Initially, he split first-team reps with veteran Marcus Mariota. However, by the second week of camp, Daniels was receiving the majority of the first-team reps and has taken almost every first-team snap since then.
High Praise and Expectation
Coach Dan Quinn did not hide his enthusiasm for Daniels. "I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command," Quinn remarked, reflecting the young quarterback's grasp of the game and leadership qualities.
Daniels himself is not taking anything for granted, despite being named the starter. "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.
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson is equally impressed with Daniels' accuracy and decision-making abilities. "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 said.
A Long Search Ends
The announcement of Daniels as the starting quarterback brings an end to the Commanders' relentless search for a stable Week 1 starter, a position that has seen a different face for the past seven seasons. The carousel of quarterbacks has included names like Sam Howell and Kirk Cousins, but none have been able to solidify the role long-term.
The Commanders will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8, and the team is hopeful that Daniels can bring some much-needed stability and success to the pivotal quarterback position. With such an impressive preseason and a storied college career behind him, all eyes will be on Daniels to see if he can carry his momentum into the regular season and lead the Commanders to a victorious start.