Daniels Named Week 1 Starter for Washington Commanders
In a move that has fans buzzing and analysts re-evaluating their preseason predictions, Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn announced on Monday that Jayden Daniels would be the team's starting quarterback for Week 1. This decision comes after Daniels demonstrated exceptional performance throughout training camp and the preseason.
Daniels, who was the No. 2 overall pick and the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, had an impressive showing in the Commanders’ preseason matchups. In a recent game against the Miami Dolphins, he completed 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards and added 13 yards on the ground. Both of Daniels' drives in that game led to scoring opportunities, with the team attempting field goals each time.
Coach Quinn couldn't hide his admiration for Daniels' rapid development, stating, "I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command." Indeed, Daniels has looked every bit the part of a seasoned professional, and his statistics from his final season at LSU underline his capability. Last season, Daniels threw for 3,812 yards, ran for an additional 1,134 yards, and accounted for 50 total touchdowns. His precision was evident as well, boasting a completion rate of over 72% with only four interceptions.
Daniels' ascent to the starting role wasn't unchallenged. During training camp, he initially split first-team reps with veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota. However, by the second week of camp, Daniels began receiving the majority of first-team snaps and has maintained that trend ever since. The decision to name him as the starter signifies a new direction for the Commanders, who have struggled with consistency at the quarterback position, having had a different Week 1 starter each of the past seven seasons.
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson, a key target for Daniels, expressed his excitement about the young quarterback's abilities. "He's putting the ball in places where it makes our job so much easier," Dotson remarked. "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."
For Daniels, the recognition as the starting quarterback is both an honor and a challenge. "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," he noted. His competitive spirit and focus on continual improvement should prove instrumental as he leads the Commanders this season.
The Commanders are set to kick off their season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8. This game will not only be a test for Daniels but also a reflection of the team’s new era under his leadership. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Daniels can bring stability and excitement to a position that has seen a carousel of players in recent years. Last season, Sam Howell held the starting spot, and in 2017 it was Kirk Cousins—both of whom have moved on, leaving the door open for Daniels to make his mark.
As the Commanders look forward to the upcoming season, the team and its supporters have reasons to be optimistic. Jayden Daniels' impressive track record and rapid development make him a promising leader. If his preseason performance is any indication, the Commanders may have found the consistency and skill they've been searching for under center.
Expectations will be high, and the spotlight will be bright when Daniels takes the field. His ability to handle pressure and perform at a high level could very well define the Commanders' 2024 season. Fans are eager to see what this new chapter brings, hoping it ushers in a period of success and stability for the franchise.