Rookie QB Jayden Daniels has swiftly emerged as ‘the answer’ for the Washington Commanders, showcasing remarkable talent and composure in his early NFL career. This past week, he led the Commanders to a stunning 42-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, earning praise from Coach Dan Quinn, who expressed his pride directly to the No. 2 overall pick.
Daniels faced a unique challenge returning to Arizona, where he previously played for Arizona State before transferring to LSU. His departure from ASU was marred by controversy, including footage of teammates removing items from his locker after he announced his decision to leave. Yet, despite the emotional backdrop, Daniels prepared for the game with a focus that impressed his coach.
Quinn remarked, “I just thought he handled it like a real G,” highlighting Daniels’ ability to compartmentalize his feelings and execute on the field. Throughout the first month of his NFL journey, Daniels has consistently demonstrated poise and skill.
In the game against Arizona, Daniels completed an impressive 86.7% of his passes (26-of-30), accumulating 233 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. Additionally, he showcased his dual-threat capability with eight carries for 47 yards and another rushing touchdown, contributing to Washington’s highest single-game point total in eight years.
Setting records, Daniels became the first quarterback in NFL history to achieve two consecutive games with an 85% completion rate or higher. His league-leading 82.1% completion rate over his first four games is the highest for any player since at least 1950, according to NFL Research.
Despite his slender build at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Daniels has proven to be a formidable rushing threat. With 46 carries for 218 yards and four touchdowns, he joins Robert Griffin III as one of only two quarterbacks since the merger to surpass 200 rushing yards in their first four games.
Reflecting on his rapid success, Daniels stated, “I didn’t have any expectations. How much can we learn and how can we keep growing?” His focus on continuous improvement is evident as he navigates the challenges of becoming a professional player.
As the No. 2 overall pick, Daniels symbolizes hope for a franchise that has struggled to find stability at the quarterback position. With new ownership and a desire to establish a fresh culture, his performance is a beacon of optimism.
Currently, the Commanders stand at 3-1, riding a three-game winning streak that places them in sole possession of first place in the NFC East.
“He is the answer,” declared defensive tackle Jonathan Allen after the team’s Week 3 win against Cincinnati, underscoring the growing belief in Daniels’ potential.
Why Daniels was successful in Week 4
His success stems from his remarkable patience. Two specific plays illustrate this: a third-and-13 conversion to veteran wide receiver Noah Brown and a 17-yard completion to rookie Luke McCaffrey on a second-and-15. Both plays demonstrated his ability to progress through his reads effectively.
The Cardinals failed to sack Daniels throughout the game, highlighting his calm demeanor and skill in navigating the pocket. He consistently keeps his eyes downfield, ready to make a throw, which makes him a significant rushing threat when necessary.
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury also incorporates designed runs for him, which contributed to his rushing touchdown. The Commanders’ playbook includes RPOs and read options, adding an element of unpredictability that keeps defenses guessing. Daniels is now one of only four quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era to score four rushing touchdowns in their first four games.
As a passer, Daniels exhibits surgical precision, boasting a 90.5% completion rate for 521 yards and a touchdown without any interceptions for short-range throws, according to Pro Football Focus.
Among quarterbacks with at least 50 pass attempts, Daniels has an average time to throw of 2.52 seconds, ranking him alongside Aaron Rodgers for the fourth-fastest in the league, as reported by Next Gen Stats.
“I think he’s really confident in what he’s seeing,” McLaurin commented. “His preparation is very unique for a guy who just got into the league.” Daniels’ approach to practice and film sessions has set a high standard, making it no surprise that he executes at such a high level on game day.
