Dan Quinn Names Jayden Daniels Starting Quarterback for Week 1
The Washington Commanders have made a significant decision ahead of the NFL season kickoff. Head coach Dan Quinn announced on Monday that Jayden Daniels will be the starting quarterback for the Week 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8. This decision marks the eighth consecutive season the Commanders will begin the year with a different quarterback under center.
"I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command," Quinn remarked, expressing his confidence in Daniels' abilities. The rookie quarterback has indeed shown remarkable performance both in training camp and during preseason games.
An Impressive Preseason
Daniels showcased his prowess in the preseason, particularly in a game against the Miami Dolphins where he completed 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards. Demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities, he also added 13 yards on the ground. Leading the team effectively, Daniels took the Commanders into scoring positions on both of his drives, resulting in field goal attempts. During the opening week of the preseason against the New York Jets, he scored a touchdown on a 3-yard keeper, further solidifying his readiness for the starting role.
Daniels' ascension to the starting position was not a sudden decision. Initially splitting first-team reps with veteran Marcus Mariota during training camp, Daniels began receiving the majority of first-team reps by the second week. Since then, he has taken almost every first-team rep, showing steadfast improvement and consistency.
Rising Through the Ranks
Last season at LSU, Daniels delivered an exceptional performance. He threw for 3,812 yards and ran for an additional 1,134 yards, accounting for a staggering 50 total touchdowns. His precision as a passer was highlighted by a completion rate of over 72%, with only four interceptions throughout the season. These impressive stats earned him the honor of becoming the No. 2 overall pick and the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, setting high expectations for his NFL debut.
Daniels’ competitive nature is palpable. "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, underscoring his determination to prove himself on the professional stage.
Support from Teammates
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson, another key player for the Commanders, expressed his excitement about Daniels’ quarterbacking skills. "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, highlighting Daniels' accuracy and field vision.
As the Commanders prepare for their upcoming season, the leadership change at the quarterback position brings a renewed sense of hope and anticipation. The franchise has been searching for stability at the position since Kirk Cousins held the starting job in 2017, followed by a series of different starters including Sam Howell in 2023.
The team’s performance in the upcoming season will hinge heavily on Daniels' ability to adapt to the professional level and execute under the pressures of the NFL. With his record of excellence at LSU and a promising preseason, there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the Commanders and their new starting quarterback.
As the September 8 game against Tampa Bay approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Jayden Daniels can live up to the high expectations and lead the Commanders to a much-needed successful season.