Sport

Jayden Daniels Shines Bright in Washington: A Rookie Quarterback History in the Making

2024-09-28

PHOENIX -- In just three games, Jayden Daniels, the rookie quarterback for the Washington Commanders, has taken the NFL by storm, leaving fans and analysts alike eager for what's next. With an impressive start, Daniels has already secured multiple Player of the Week honors, showcased his skills on a national platform, and breathed new life into a franchise desperate for success.

Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner couldn't contain his admiration for Daniels, stating, "It's amazing. It's a good start [but] let him finish writing his story for the season... from the moment he walked in you knew he'd be special and he's showing it."

The statistical evidence corroborates Wagner's assessment. Daniels has been a crucial factor in the Commanders' 2-1 record leading into their matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. His standout performance came during a Monday night triumph over the Cincinnati Bengals, where he completed 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards, tossed two touchdowns, and added another on the ground.

"I’m just taking it one game at a time," Daniels said with the poise of a seasoned veteran. "That game is in the past, and it doesn’t mean anything anymore."

Examining his early-season stats reveals that Daniels is not just another rookie making a splash; he is breaking records. He is the first player since at least 1970 to run for three touchdowns and pass for two without any interceptions in the first three games of his career.

Daniels has exhibited a superb arm and exceptional decision-making skills, which have made him a dual threat. His two touchdown passes against the Bengals included a remarkable 27-yarder despite facing an all-out blitz. He demonstrated resilience, getting hit hard but remaining focused, delivering a pinpoint pass to Terry McLaurin in the end zone that clinched the 38-33 victory.

Coach Dan Quinn praised Daniels' decision-making skills and stressed how difficult he is to defend due to his ability to extend plays with his legs. "He's hard to defend because of his legs. He can get outside the pocket. There's a dual threat," Quinn said.

Another remarkable feat: Daniels has thrown 90 passes without an interception. While he's not close to C.J. Stroud's record of 192 no-int passes set last season, it's still an impressive start for a rookie. Besides, he leads the NFL with an impressive completion rate of 80.3%. Although a significant percentage of his throws have been short, it's worth noting that he’s performing better than established stars like Patrick Mahomes, who ranks second in this category.

Daniels is also making strides in opportunities to score. He ranks fifth in the NFL, completing 40.8% of his passes for first downs. Comparatively, only one player ranks in the top five for both first downs per pass attempt and rushing attempts: Daniels. He trails Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson by a narrow margin in both metrics.

Yet, there’s still ample room for growth. Coach Quinn highlighted that while Daniels has been impressive, he can improve by keeping his eyes downfield while scrambling and making more big plays. The team remains optimistic as Daniels' comfort level and skills continue to develop.

"It's still early, and he is still growing," Quinn commented. "I can't wait to see who he becomes."

As demand for excitement around Daniels rises, fans wonder: could Washington finally be on the path to a promising season, or is it too soon to celebrate? One thing is certain: if his early performances are any indication, Jayden Daniels is a name to watch in the coming weeks!