Commanders Name Jayden Daniels Week 1 Starter
Dan Quinn, head coach of the Washington Commanders, made a significant announcement on Monday by naming Jayden Daniels as the team's starting quarterback for Week 1 against Tampa Bay on September 8. This decision marks yet another shift in a team that has seen a different starting quarterback in the opening week for the past seven seasons.
Daniels earned this key role following an impressive preseason performance. In the game against the Miami Dolphins, he completed 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards and added 13 yards on the ground. His effective leadership on the field led Washington into scoring position on both of his two drives, each resulting in a field goal attempt. Notably, Daniels also showcased his versatility in the preseason opener against the New York Jets, running for a 3-yard touchdown keeper.
But it's not just his preseason flashes that have caught Quinn’s eye. Daniels had an exceptional season at LSU last year, throwing for 3,812 yards and rushing for an additional 1,134 yards. His performance included a staggering 50 total touchdowns and a completion rate of over 72%, with only four interceptions. This stellar collegiate track record earned him the No. 2 overall pick and secured him the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
Winning Over the Coach
Daniels' journey to becoming the starting quarterback wasn't without competition. Initially, he split first-team reps with veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota during training camp. However, by the second week, Daniels began to receive the majority of first-team reps and has taken almost every first-team rep since then. Quinn's confidence in Daniels has only grown with time. "I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command," Quinn remarked.
Daniels himself has embraced the competitive nature of the sport. "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," he stated.
Team Dynamics
The Commanders' wide receiver, Jahan Dotson, has also expressed optimism about his new quarterback. "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 noted.
With Sam Howell having served as the starting quarterback in 2023 and Kirk Cousins back in 2017, the Commanders have struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position. The hope is that Daniels' proven track record and promising preseason showings will provide the stability Washington has been searching for.
As the Commanders gear up for their season opener, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Daniels performs. His ability to command the offense, make precise throws, and use his athleticism to extend plays provides a glimmer of hope for a team looking to make a strong start.
The upcoming matchup against Tampa Bay will be the first real test for Daniels and the Commanders. If his performance thus far is any indication, Washington could finally have found the quarterback they've been looking for.