Jayden Daniels Named Week 1 Starter for Washington Commanders
In a decisive move that signals confidence in young talent, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has named Jayden Daniels as the team's starting quarterback for Week 1. The announcement comes after a series of impressive performances by Daniels in the preseason and a stellar collegiate career at LSU. "I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command," Quinn remarked on Monday.
Daniels showcased his prowess in the recent preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, completing 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards. He also demonstrated his versatility with an additional 13 yards on the ground. His proficiency didn’t just stop at moving the chains; he led Washington into scoring position on both of his drives, resulting in field goal attempts. These displays of skill further cemented his position as the starter.
Daniels' consistency has been notable since his debut. In the opening week of the preseason, he scored a touchdown on a 3-yard keeper against the New York Jets. This performance echoes his tenure at LSU, where he threw for 3,812 yards and ran for an additional 1,134 yards last season. Daniels’ dual-threat capability was instrumental in amassing 50 total touchdowns and maintaining a completion rate of over 72%. Notably, he threw only four interceptions throughout the season, showcasing his decision-making acumen.
Given his accolades, including being the No. 2 overall pick and the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, the decision to start Daniels offers a promising outlook for Washington fans. During training camp, Daniels initially split first-team reps with veteran Marcus Mariota, but by the second week, it was clear who the leader would be. Since then, Daniels has taken almost every first-team rep, reflecting the coaching staff’s growing confidence in his abilities.
Daniels himself exudes a competitive spirit and determination. "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, underscoring his relentless drive.
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson has also been vocal about Daniels' impact on the team’s offense. "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. For a squad that has had a revolving door at the quarterback position, this stability could be a game-changer. Indeed, the Commanders will head into September 8 against Tampa Bay with optimism. The team has fielded a different Week 1 starting quarterback for the past seven seasons—a stat that emphasizes the ongoing search for consistency at the pivotal position. Not long ago, Sam Howell held the starting role in 2023, and Kirk Cousins was under center back in 2017.
As the Commanders prepare for their season opener, all eyes will be on Daniels to see if he can carry the momentum from his collegiate success and preseason performances into the regular season. If his early showings are any indicator, Washington may have finally found the stability and star power at quarterback they’ve been searching for.
With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, Daniels aims not just to start but to excel in the NFL, setting a new precedent for success in the nation's capital.