In a decisive move that sets the tone for the Washington Commanders' upcoming season, head coach Dan Quinn has named Jayden Daniels as the starting quarterback for Week 1. The announcement, made on Monday, signifies a new chapter for the team, which has seen a revolving door at the quarterback position over the past seven seasons. Daniels' appointment follows an impressive preseason and a stellar college career at LSU, where he showcased his dual-threat capability.
Daniels' journey to the starting position has been marked by consistent excellence and improvement. He seized the opportunity during the preseason, completing 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards in the game against the Miami Dolphins. Additionally, he displayed his versatility by adding 13 yards on the ground. His ability to lead the team into scoring positions during his two drives, which resulted in field goal attempts, further cemented his readiness for the starting role.
It wasn't just the preseason performance that caught the eye of the coaching staff. Daniels had an impressive final season at LSU, throwing for 3,812 yards and running for an additional 1,134 yards. His 50 total touchdowns, combined with a remarkable completion rate of over 72%, highlighted his precision and offensive prowess. Notably, Daniels threw only four interceptions throughout the season, demonstrating his careful ball handling and decision-making skills.
"I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness and command," said Dan Quinn, reflecting on Daniels' rapid development and impressive training camp performance. Starting off splitting first-team reps with veteran Marcus Mariota, Daniels soon emerged as the frontrunner. By the second week of camp, he was receiving the majority of first-team reps and has since taken almost every first-team rep.
Daniels' commitment to competition remains a core part of his mindset. "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 with your job, comfortable. I think it is just your job to seal the deal. You got to go out there and compete," Daniels noted, underscoring his determination to maintain and improve his performance.
This attitude has not gone unnoticed by his teammates. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson praised Daniels' precision and impact on the field, saying, "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."
The decision to start Daniels comes as the Commanders prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8. For a team that has not had the same starting quarterback for Week 1 in consecutive years over the past seven seasons, this marks a significant shift. Last year, Sam Howell started as quarterback, while in 2017, it was Kirk Cousins leading the squad. The frequent changes at the quarterback position have underscored the Commanders' search for stability and long-term success.
Daniels' impressive college resume is capped by winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy and being the No. 2 overall pick. His accolades and potential bring a renewed sense of hope and excitement to Washington's fanbase, who are eager to see if he can be the franchise quarterback the team has been searching for.
As the Commanders head into the new season with Jayden Daniels at the helm, the stakes are high. The team and its supporters are optimistic that Daniels' dual-threat ability and competitive spirit will translate into on-field success, bringing consistency and renewed vigor to Washington's offense. With the support of his coaches and teammates, Daniels looks poised to take on the challenges of the NFL and lead his team to new heights.