In a move that has invigorated the Washington Commanders' fan base, Head Coach Dan Quinn has announced that Jayden Daniels will be the team's starting quarterback for Week 1 of the regular season. The decision was revealed on Monday, marking the conclusion of weeks of speculation and a dynamic preseason showing from the young quarterback.
"I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command," said Quinn, underscoring his confidence in Daniels' ability to lead the team.
An Impressive Preseason Performance
Jayden Daniels demonstrated his potential throughout the preseason. In a game against the Miami Dolphins, Daniels completed an impressive 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards. He also added 13 yards on the ground. More importantly, Daniels showcased his ability to drive the team into scoring positions, leading to both field goal attempts during his two drives.
In the opening week of the preseason, against the New York Jets, Daniels further cemented his starting role by scoring a touchdown on a 3-yard keeper, showing his versatility and knack for making pivotal plays.
College Stardom
Daniels' transition to the NFL follows an outstanding final season at LSU, where he threw for 3,812 yards and ran for another 1,134 yards, tallying an astounding 50 total touchdowns. He impressed with a completion rate exceeding 72% and limited his turnovers to just four interceptions. His collegiate performance earned him the prestigious 2024 Heisman Trophy and made him the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft.
Training Camp Triumph
Initially, Daniels split first-team reps with veteran Marcus Mariota. However, by the second week of training camp, Daniels began receiving the majority of first-team reps and has taken almost every first-team snap since then, demonstrating his growing command of the playbook and his rapport with teammates.
"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 with your job, comfortable. I think it is just your job to seal the deal. You got to go out there and compete," said Daniels, emphasizing his relentless drive and dedication.
Support from Teammates
The team’s support for their new starting quarterback is palpable. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson, a key target in the Commanders' offense, praised Daniels' accuracy and decision-making ability.
"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 things like that and be thankful for it because not everyone can do that," Dotson said.
A New Era for the Commanders
The Commanders have faced a revolving door at the quarterback position for the past seven seasons, with a different starter in Week 1 each year. Last season, Sam Howell held the starting role, while Kirk Cousins started in 2017. This year, Jayden Daniels aims to bring stability and success to the position.
Looking ahead, Daniels and the Commanders will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise. With Daniels at the helm, Washington hopes to break their recent cycle of quarterback instability and build a consistent winning tradition.
As the anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Jayden Daniels to see if he can translate his collegiate success and preseason promise into regular-season victories. Given his track record, readiness, and the confidence bestowed upon him by both coaches and teammates, the future looks promising for the young quarterback and the Washington Commanders.