Dan Quinn Names Jayden Daniels Starting QB for Week 1
In a move that signals a new era 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, marks a significant milestone for the rookie, who was drafted as the No. 2 overall pick and won the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
"I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command," Quinn remarked when discussing Daniels' impressive rise through training camp and preseason.
Preseason Performance Solidifies Starting Role
Daniels' ascension to the starting role was bolstered by his strong preseason showing. Completing 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards against the Miami Dolphins, Daniels also displayed his dual-threat capability by adding 13 yards on the ground. In his limited preseason action, he led the Commanders into scoring position on both drives, resulting in field goal attempts, and later scored a touchdown on a 3-yard keeper against the New York Jets.
The 2023 season at LSU showcased Daniels' talents, where he threw for 3,812 yards and ran for an additional 1,134 yards, amassing 50 total touchdowns. With a completion rate exceeding 72% and only four interceptions, his collegiate performance positioned him as a highly coveted prospect entering the NFL.
Competing and Leading the Commanders
Daniels' journey to becoming the Week 1 starter wasn't without competition. Initially, he split first-team reps with veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota during training camp. By the second week, Daniels began to receive the majority of first-team reps, and he has since taken almost every first-team snap, solidifying his place as the team’s leader on the field.
"No, I like competing. I'm a competitor, so regardless if I was announced the starter or not, you still got to compete," Daniels said. "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."
Receiver Jahan Dotson has already noticed the impact of Daniels' precision and ability to elevate the offense. "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 observed.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The Commanders have faced a revolving door at the quarterback position, with a different Week 1 starter in each of the past seven seasons. The team’s recent history includes Sam Howell as the 2023 starter and Kirk Cousins holding the position in 2017. Now, the franchise is hopeful that Daniels can provide the stability and excellence needed to lead the team forward.
The talent and leadership qualities Daniels has demonstrated hold promise as the Commanders look to make their mark on the upcoming season. Their first challenge will come on September 8, when they face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With the blend of youthful energy and exceptional skill that Daniels brings, the Commanders and their fans are optimistic about the team’s prospects. Given his track record, both in college and the early stages of his professional career, Jayden Daniels could very well be the catalyst for the transformative season Washington has been waiting for. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on this young quarterback to see if he can lead the Commanders to new heights.