The Washington Commanders may have found their next big star in rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, and his impact has been immediate. Taken as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Daniels stepped into the spotlight and has already shown why he was such a coveted player. With a unique blend of mobility, accuracy, and leadership, Daniels’ rookie season is quickly becoming one of the most exciting storylines of the year.

A Quick Look Back at Jayden Daniels’ College Career

Before we dive into his NFL season, let’s take a moment to appreciate Daniels’ journey to this point. As a standout quarterback at LSU, Daniels followed in the footsteps of Joe Burrow, another Tiger legend. Daniels led LSU with poise, winning the Heisman Trophy and catching the eyes of NFL scouts across the league.

But Daniels wasn’t just your average college QB. He was a dual-threat machine, known for his elite-level mobility and ability to make big plays both in the air and on the ground. Many saw him as a future star, and the Commanders knew they were getting someone special when they drafted him.

Breaking Down Daniels’ Performance So Far

Monday Night Football Magic: Daniels vs. Joe Burrow

One of the highlights of Daniels’ rookie season came during the Week 3 Monday Night Football matchup against none other than Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a highly anticipated game, pitting two LSU Heisman winners against each other, and it certainly lived up to the hype.

Daniels shined under the prime-time lights, leading the Commanders to a thrilling 38-33 victory over the Bengals. His stats were nothing short of impressive:

• Completion Percentage: 91.3% (a rookie record)
• Passing Yards: 254
• Touchdowns: 2 passing, 1 rushing
• Rushing Yards: 39

Daniels demonstrated poise beyond his years, showing off his dual-threat ability and leading Washington to a 2-1 start—a pleasant surprise for Commanders fans who haven’t seen such early-season success in recent years.

Commanders’ Offensive Success with Daniels at the Helm

It’s not just about Daniels’ individual success; the Commanders’ offense has come alive since he took over as the starter. During their win over the Bengals, Washington’s offense moved like a well-oiled machine, converting five of their nine third-down attempts and scoring 38 points—the most they’ve put up in a game since Thanksgiving 2020.

The most impressive part? Daniels and the Commanders have now gone 17 straight drives without needing to punt. His ability to keep the chains moving, combined with his careful decision-making (no turnovers so far), has breathed new life into a Washington offense that struggled in the past.

Strengths and Areas for Growth

Daniels’ performance thus far has showcased his strengths:

• Mobility: Daniels’ legs are a constant threat, whether he’s scrambling to avoid pressure or taking off for a big gain.
• Accuracy: His 91.3% completion rate against the Bengals was a rookie record, and he continues to place the ball exactly where it needs to be.
• Decision-Making: Daniels has been smart with the ball, not forcing throws, and has yet to turn the ball over this season.

However, like any rookie, there are still areas where Daniels can improve:

• Deep Ball Accuracy: Though his short and intermediate throws are on point, Daniels missed a long touchdown opportunity to Terry McLaurin early in the game, showing that his deep-ball accuracy still needs fine-tuning.
• Consistency Under Pressure: While Daniels has shown composure in the pocket, pressure from elite NFL defenses is a different animal compared to what he faced in college. How he handles blitzes and collapsing pockets will be key to his long-term success.

Daniels’ Chemistry with Key Players

One of the most encouraging signs for Commanders fans is Daniels’ growing chemistry with his offensive weapons:

• Terry McLaurin: The star wide receiver had a relatively quiet start to the season, but Daniels helped get him back on track with a 55-yard bomb that set up a crucial score in the second half.
• Brian Robinson Jr.: Daniels and Robinson have formed a deadly duo in the backfield, with Daniels’ mobility opening up lanes for Robinson and vice versa.

Daniels’ ability to spread the ball around and keep defenses guessing has turned Washington’s offense into a much more dynamic unit, one that will only improve as he continues to build rapport with his teammates.

Washington’s Defense Keeping Pace

While the focus is often on Daniels and the offense, it’s worth mentioning that Washington’s defense has played its part in their success. Though there are still areas of concern—such as giving up explosive plays to the likes of Ja’Marr Chase—the defense has made timely stops to keep the Commanders in games.

In the Week 3 win over the Bengals, the defense forced Burrow into a few key incompletions, including on a critical two-point attempt late in the game. As Daniels and the offense continue to grow, Washington’s defense will need to step up and become a more consistent force if they hope to make a serious playoff push.

Draft Stock and Comparisons

Daniels was often compared to Joe Burrow during his time at LSU, and while Burrow remains one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL, Daniels is quickly carving out his own path. His dual-threat ability and knack for making clutch plays have led some to compare him to other greats, including Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson in their prime.

As far as 2024 rookie quarterbacks go, Daniels is arguably the standout. While other rookie QBs have had their moments, Daniels’ combination of mobility, accuracy, and leadership has set him apart from the pack.

What’s Next for Jayden Daniels and the Commanders?

With a 2-1 record and a star quarterback leading the way, the Commanders are in an exciting position. While it’s still early in the season, Daniels’ performance has raised expectations in Washington. Can he continue to lead the team to more victories? Can the Commanders build around their young QB and make a push for the playoffs?

Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Jayden Daniels is a name to watch. As he continues to develop, the sky is the limit for this talented rookie and the Washington Commanders.

Final Thoughts

In just a few games, Jayden Daniels has already proven that he belongs in the NFL. His ability to make plays, both with his arm and his legs, has transformed Washington’s offense and given fans hope for the future. Whether you’re a diehard Commanders fan or just an NFL enthusiast, keep an eye on Daniels—he’s just getting started.