Dan Quinn Tags Jayden Daniels as Week 1 Starter for Commanders
The Washington Commanders have solidified their quarterback position for the upcoming season, naming Jayden Daniels as the team's Week 1 starter. Head coach Dan Quinn made the much-anticipated announcement on Monday, confirming Daniels as the leader of the offense when the Commanders face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8.
"I'd say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of readiness, command," said Quinn, reflecting the confidence instilled in Daniels through his impressive performance during training camp and preseason games.
An Impressive Preseason
Daniels showcased his skills in the preseason, completing 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards against the Miami Dolphins. His accuracy and decision-making stood out, leading Washington into scoring position on both of his drives, which resulted in field goal attempts. Additionally, Daniels proved his versatility by adding 13 yards on the ground in that same game. His prowess wasn't just limited to passing, as he scored a touchdown on a 3-yard keeper during the opening week of the preseason against the New York Jets.
A Stellar College Career
The Commanders' faith in Daniels is further justified by his remarkable college career at LSU. Last season, Daniels threw for an impressive 3,812 yards and ran for an additional 1,134 yards, amassing 50 total touchdowns. His efficiency was notable, with a completion rate of over 72% and only four interceptions throughout the season. This performance earned him the honor of being the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and helped cement his position as the No. 2 overall pick.
Training Camp Triumph
During training camp, Daniels 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 reps, a trend that continued as camp progressed. His consistent performance and rapid adaptation to the professional level solidified his status as the starter.
Daniels commented on the competitive nature of the camp, saying, "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."
High Praise from Teammates
Daniels' teammates have already begun to notice and appreciate his skill set. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson praised the young quarterback's precision and ability to place the ball where only his receivers can make a play. "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 remarked.
Breaking the Rotation
The announcement marks a significant shift for the Commanders, who have had a different Week 1 starting quarterback every year for the past seven seasons. Last season, Sam Howell took the mantle as the starting quarterback, with Kirk Cousins leading the team back in 2017. This revolving door at the quarterback position has been a point of concern, but with Daniels now in place, the Commanders are hopeful for stability and success.
As the Commanders gear up for their season opener against the Buccaneers, all eyes will be on Daniels to see if he can translate his preseason success into regular-season victories. The team and its fans are eager to see the young quarterback in action, confident that he has what it takes to lead them to new heights this season.