Jayden Daniels Named Commanders’ Week 1 Starting Quarterback
In a highly-anticipated decision, Commanders' head coach Dan Quinn has named Jayden Daniels as the team's starting quarterback for Week 1. The announcement came on Monday, marking a significant milestone in Daniels' burgeoning career.
Daniels showcased his impressive skill set during the preseason, completing 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards against the Miami Dolphins. He also added 13 yards on the ground while leading Washington into scoring position on both of his two drives, each resulting in field goal attempts. Daniels further stamped his credentials with a 3-yard rushing touchdown in the preseason opener against the New York Jets.
At LSU, Daniels delivered a standout performance last season, throwing for 3,812 yards, running for 1,134 yards, and accumulating 50 total touchdowns. His completion rate soared above 72%, and he threw only four interceptions. These stellar statistics, paired with his 2024 Heisman Trophy win, garnered significant attention, culminating in his selection as the No. 2 overall pick.
“I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command,” Quinn said, reflecting on Daniels' performance through training camp and preseason.
Initially, Daniels split first-team reps with Marcus Mariota during training camp. However, by the second week, he began to receive the majority of first-team reps and has since taken almost every first-team rep. This progression underscores the coaching staff's growing confidence in his capabilities.
Daniels himself remains humble and focused on competition. “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 asserted.
The Commanders have had a revolving door at the quarterback position, with a different Week 1 starter every year for the past seven seasons. Last year, Sam Howell took the helm, while previously, Kirk Cousins was the starter back in 2017. This year, the team looks to stabilize the position with Daniels leading the charge.
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson, who will be a key target for Daniels, lauded the young quarterback's 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 said.
As the Commanders prepare to face Tampa Bay on September 8, all eyes will be on Daniels to see if he can carry his preseason momentum into the regular season. His journey from LSU standout to the NFL's spotlight encapsulates a story of hard work, dedication, and a bright future in professional football.