Daniels Named Commanders' Week 1 Starting Quarterback
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has made a significant decision ahead of the NFL season, naming Jayden Daniels as the team's Week 1 starting quarterback. The announcement, made on Monday, confirms Daniels' ascension to the starting role after a rigorous preseason competition and standout performances.
Impressive Preseason Performance
Daniels showcased his skills in the preseason with remarkable poise and efficiency. In the recent game against the Miami Dolphins, Daniels completed 10 of 12 passes, accumulating 78 yards. Not limited to the air, he also added 13 yards on the ground. Leading Washington into scoring positions on both his drives, Daniels set up opportunities that resulted in field goal attempts, demonstrating his capability to guide the offense effectively.
His dual-threat abilities were further highlighted in the Commanders' opening week of the preseason against the New York Jets, where Daniels scored a touchdown on a 3-yard keeper. Such performances have solidified his place as the ideal candidate to lead the team.
Stellar Collegiate Career
Coming off an extraordinary season at LSU, Daniels’ statistics were nothing short of impressive. He threw for 3,812 yards and ran for an additional 1,134 yards, culminating in 50 total touchdowns. Notably, his completion rate exceeded 72%, and he threw just four interceptions throughout the season. These accolades not only made him the No. 2 overall pick but also earned him the prestigious 2024 Heisman Trophy, underlining his talent and potential.
Coach Quinn expressed his confidence in Daniels' readiness and command. "I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command," Quinn observed.
Training Camp Competition
The journey to the starting position wasn't handed to Daniels. Initially, he shared first-team reps with veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota during training camp. However, by the second week, Daniels began taking the majority of first-team reps, indicating the coaching staff's growing trust in his abilities. Since then, he has taken almost every first-team rep, solidifying his position as the team's leader.
Despite the intense competition, Daniels remained focused and driven. "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 stated, reflecting his commitment to continual improvement.
Commanders' Quarterback Carousel
With this decision, Daniels becomes the latest to take up the mantle of starting quarterback for the Commanders, who have seen a different player in this role at the start of each of the last seven seasons. Last year's starter, Sam Howell, and former star Kirk Cousins, who started in 2017, highlight the recurring changes at the quarterback position for the franchise.
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson has already noticed the positive impact of Daniels’ throwing accuracy. "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 praised.
Upcoming Season Opener
As the Commanders march towards their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8, all eyes will be on Daniels, the latest hope to bring stability and success to the team’s quarterback position. Given his track record and the faith placed in him by the coaching staff and teammates, Jayden Daniels has the potential to make a significant impact and lead Washington to a promising start this season.