Jayden Daniels Named Commanders' Starting QB for Week 1
In a decision that marks a turning point for the Washington Commanders, head coach Dan Quinn has officially named Jayden Daniels as the team’s starting quarterback for Week 1. The announcement, made on Monday, signals a new era for a franchise that has struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position.
Daniels' performance in the preseason has left an indelible mark, with Quinn noting, "I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command." This high praise comes on the heels of Daniels’ impressive preseason outing against the Miami Dolphins, where he completed 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards and added 13 yards on the ground. In that game, Daniels successfully led the team into scoring position on both of his drives, resulting in field goal attempts.
His all-around performance didn't stop there. Daniels also showcased his versatility in the opening week of the preseason against the New York Jets by scoring a touchdown on a 3-yard keeper. These showings seem to be an extension of his remarkable college career at LSU. Last season, Daniels threw for 3,812 yards and ran for an additional 1,134 yards, amassing a total of 50 touchdowns with a completion rate of over 72%. Remarkably, he only threw four interceptions, a testament to his decision-making and accuracy.
The switch to Daniels comes after a rigorous training camp where he initially split first-team reps with veteran Marcus Mariota. Over the course of camp, Daniels began to distinguish himself, earning the majority of first-team reps by the second week and taking almost every first-team rep since. "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," said Daniels, reflecting his competitive spirit and relentless drive.
For the Commanders, selecting Daniels is another step in their ongoing quest to stabilize the quarterback position. The team has had a different Week 1 starting quarterback every year for the past seven seasons, a trend they hope will end with the newly minted starter. The stakes are particularly high given that Daniels was the No. 2 overall pick in the draft and is the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, a pedigree that brings both expectation and excitement.
"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," said wide receiver Jahan Dotson. Dotson’s words reflect the growing confidence among the Commanders’ offense as they prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8.
In looking back at the Commanders' recent history under center, it becomes clear how crucial this decision could be. Sam Howell started for the Commanders in 2023, while Kirk Cousins held the role back in 2017. This revolving door at quarterback has left fans yearning for stability and success, which many hope Jayden Daniels can deliver.
As the Washington Commanders gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Jayden Daniels. If his preseason performance is any indicator, Daniels appears ready to rise to the challenge. With the team’s past struggles behind him and the unwavering support of both his coach and teammates, Daniels has the opportunity to cement his place as a cornerstone of the franchise's future.