Dan Quinn Names Jayden Daniels Starting Quarterback for Week 1
In a move that surprises few but excites many, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has announced Jayden Daniels as the starting quarterback for Week 1. The decision was confirmed on Monday following an impressive preseason performance by the rookie sensation.
Daniels has certainly proven his mettle. In the preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, he completed 10 out of 12 passes, racking up 78 yards. Not just a threat through the air, Daniels also added 13 yards on the ground. Leading Washington into scoring positions on both of his two drives resulted in field goal attempts, showcasing his ability to handle pressure situations. His dynamic playstyle was also evident earlier in the preseason against the New York Jets, where he scored a touchdown on a 3-yard keeper.
Head coach Dan Quinn spoke highly of Daniels, remarking, "I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command." These accolades are not unearned. Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick and the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, brings a stellar college record to the professional stage. Last season at LSU, Daniels threw for an impressive 3,812 yards and ran for an additional 1,134 yards. His overall performance included a stunning 50 total touchdowns and a completion rate of over 72%, all while limiting himself to just four interceptions.
Daniels' rise to the starting spot in Washington has been swift. Initially sharing first-team reps with veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota during training camp, Daniels quickly established himself as the leading option. By the second week of camp, he was receiving the majority of first-team reps, and since then, he has taken almost every first-team snap.
For Daniels, the official title of starting quarterback doesn't change his competitive spirit. "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."
The decision to start Daniels is part of a broader narrative in the Commanders' recent history. The team will be starting its eighth different quarterback in eight seasons when they face Tampa Bay on September 8. Sam Howell was the team's starting quarterback in 2023, while the position was held by Kirk Cousins in 2017. This perennial state of flux makes the stability Daniels could bring all the more valuable.
Among those most enthusiastic about Daniels' appointment is wide receiver Jahan Dotson. Dotson praised Daniels' precision, saying, "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."
The upcoming season holds a lot of promise for the Commanders with Daniels at the helm. His dual-threat capabilities and evident leadership on the field have the potential to guide the team to new heights. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Daniels can translate his college success to the NFL and break the cycle of quarterback instability that has plagued Washington for the past decade.
As the Commanders prepare to face Tampa Bay, all eyes will be on Jayden Daniels, and if his past performance is any indicator, he might just be the quarterback Washington has been searching for. With a blend of talent, readiness, and unyielding competitive spirit, Daniels aims to write the next chapter in what hopes to be a storied NFL career.