Jayden Daniels Named Week 1 Starter for Commanders
In an announcement that has electrified Washington Commanders fans, head coach Dan Quinn has named Jayden Daniels as the starting quarterback for Week 1. The decision, revealed on Monday, followed a standout preseason performance and an impressive track record from Daniels' collegiate days at LSU.
"I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command," Quinn stated. This high praise comes after Daniels' solid showing in the preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, where he completed 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards and added 13 yards on the ground. Daniels effectively led Washington into scoring positions on both of his drives, though they resulted in field goal attempts. Earlier in the preseason, Daniels scored a touchdown on a 3-yard keeper against the New York Jets, further solidifying his place as the team's top choice at quarterback.
A Stellar College Career
Daniels' rise to the starting position follows an extraordinary season at LSU, where he threw for 3,812 yards and ran for an additional 1,134 yards. His performance was nothing short of remarkable, amassing 50 total touchdowns and maintaining a completion rate of over 72%. Even more impressive, he threw just four interceptions throughout the season. Such statistics not only made him the No. 2 overall pick but also earned him the prestigious 2024 Heisman Trophy.
Quinn and the coaching staff had Daniels and veteran Marcus Mariota splitting first-team reps during the initial phase of training camp. However, by the second week, Daniels emerged as the frontrunner, receiving the majority of first-team practice snaps and eventually taking almost every first-team rep since then.
Commanders' Quarterback Carousel
The Commanders have experienced a revolving door at the quarterback position over the past several seasons. The upcoming game against Tampa Bay on September 8 will mark the eighth straight year with a different starting quarterback for Week 1. "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 said, emphasizing his relentless drive.
Last season, Sam Howell occupied the starting quarterback role, and prior to him, Kirk Cousins held the position in 2017. The cycle of starting quarterbacks has become a point of concern and curiosity for fans and analysts alike, but there is palpable hope that Daniels could bring stability and excellence to the position.
Teammate Trust
Daniels has already earned the trust and admiration of his teammates. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson commended Daniels' precision and skill, noting how the quarterback makes plays easier for the receiving corps. "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.
The Commanders' offense looks to benefit significantly from Daniels' leadership and talent. The commitment to Daniels signals a new chapter for the team as they prepare to face a challenging schedule, starting with a formidable opponent in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
For a franchise craving consistency and success at the quarterback position, Jayden Daniels embodies a mix of potential and proven performance that has the Washington faithful eagerly anticipating the upcoming season.