The Washington Commanders Turn to Jayden Daniels as Week 1 Starting Quarterback
In a move signaling confidence in their young talent, Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has named Jayden Daniels the team's starting quarterback for Week 1 of the NFL season. The announcement, delivered on Monday, caps an impressive preseason and training camp for Daniels, whose performance has continually surpassed expectations.
"I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command," Quinn stated, underlining the profound impression Daniels has made on the coaching staff.
Daniels' recent preseason game against the Miami Dolphins showcased his accuracy and poise. Completing 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards, the former LSU standout also demonstrated his versatility by adding 13 rushing yards. Despite both drives ending in field goal attempts, Daniels consistently led the team into scoring positions, and these efforts did not go unnoticed.
The journey to securing the starting role began in training camp where Daniels initially split first-team reps with seasoned quarterback Marcus Mariota. However, by the second week, he had earned the majority of first-team reps and maintained almost exclusive use of them since then. This steady progression underscored his readiness to take the reins.
"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, reflecting his tenacious mindset.
Daniels comes to the Commanders with an impressive college career. Last season at LSU, he threw for an astounding 3,812 yards and ran for an additional 1,134 yards. His 50 total touchdowns and a completion rate exceeding 72%—coupled with only four interceptions—speak volumes about his efficiency and versatility on the field. These stellar statistics undoubtedly contributed to him being the No. 2 overall pick in the draft and winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
Adding to the excitement around Daniels is wide receiver Jahan Dotson's high praise. "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 noted, highlighting Daniels' precision and reasoning ability.
The Commanders will look to end a tumultuous streak at quarterback, having started a different quarterback in each of the past seven seasons. Last year, it was Sam Howell; in 2017, Kirk Cousins had the role. The revolving door underscores the team's craving for stability, which they hope Daniels can provide.
The Commanders' season opener on September 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be a crucial test for Daniels. As he steps onto the field, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if he can carry over his collegiate success and preseason promise into regular season performance. Given his trajectory, both within practice and on the field, many are optimistic that Daniels is indeed the quarterback to end the Commanders' search for a long-term solution at the position.
With a team looking to build on past lessons and new talent rising to the occasion, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Jayden Daniels as he embarks on his first season leading the Commanders from under center.