5 emerging building blocks from Commanders' electrifying 4-1 start in 2024
By Dean Jones
Fans are finding it difficult to comprehend what's happening with the Washington Commanders this season. Most weren't around during the glory days - that was a generation ago. Some have accepted losing every year as the norm, which came with disillusion and a distinct lack of interest before the new regime injected life into the organization.
The Commanders are sitting pretty right now. Dan Quinn masterminded an incredible early turnaround as Washington sits atop the NFC East with a 4-1 record. The culture shift within the organization is notable and the fanbase is inspired, dreaming of returning to legitimate postseason contention sooner rather than later.
This is all incredibly encouraging and somewhat surprising in equal measure. It's also seen some long-term pieces that the Commanders can build around as the 2024 season progresses and way into the future come to the fore.
With this in mind, here are five emerging building blocks from Washington's sensational 4-1 start in 2024.
Emerging building blocks from the Commanders' 4-1 start in 2024
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Let's get the most obvious one out of the way first.
It didn't take the Washington Commanders long to find vindication in their decision to take Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The rookie signal-caller stepped into the breach with flawless poise to take the league by storm immediately. He looks like a genuine superstar. Whatever quarterbacks need to be that guy, he's got it in spades.
The hype is building around Daniels. His immediate impact has fans dreaming of what the Commanders could accomplish under his guidance. The entire locker room believes they've got something special on their hands. This is a far cry from the constant stream of woeful personal decisions that resulted in a revolving door at football's most important position during Ron Rivera's tenure.
Daniels looks like someone who could man Washington's quarterback spot for the next decade or more barring injury. He's a pass-first dual-threat weapon that the Commanders are utilizing with supreme efficiency up to now. Getting complacent is not an option, but the Heisman Trophy winner has the mindset to keep improving and take nothing for granted.
The former LSU star is not just a building block. Daniels is THE building block moving forward.