Jayden Daniels is the man for the big moment. He's the franchise quarterback needed to kickstart the Washington Commanders' ambitious project. And one analyst believes the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft is just getting started.
Daniels wasn't at his elite-level best against the New York Giants, but he didn't need to be. The Commanders' defense kept them in check, which allowed the signal-caller to manage the game effectively, protect the football, and make critical plays when they were required.
After having to shoulder a heavy burden through a rookie campaign for the ages, this represented a refreshing change of pace. But it's not going to last forever.
Jayden Daniels' skill set and work ethic can lead Commanders to greatness
Doing the same on Thursday Night Football in Week 2 is a different test entirely. Daniels shouldn't fear anybody. At the same time, he'll know that the Green Bay Packers represent a much sterner test with the pass-rushing weapons at their disposal.
Christopher Kline from FanSided thought Daniels would keep complications to a minimum after placing the LSU product at No. 5 in his weekly quarterback rankings. This is thanks to his supreme processing and decisiveness when he needs to make things happen — traits that became synonymous with his instant rise to prominence in 2024.
"There is a massive weight of expectation on [Jayden] Daniels after his sensational rookie campaign, but there's no reason to expect regression. He has a huge arm, he's smart beyond his years, and he's incredibly evasive when he decides to abandon the pocket and leg out a run. Daniels' dual-threat dynamism and savant-like processing will keep him near the top of this list all season."Christopher Kline
Commanders fans had to hear about an impending sophomore slump for Daniels all offseason. Those claims were a little short-sighted, especially after general manager Adam Peters improved his supporting cast through trades, free agency, and the draft.
Nothing Daniels accomplished in Week 1 suggests he's going to regress. If he can raise the stakes against the Packers and make yet another massive statement on primetime, that will silence all doubters.
Daniels moved on quickly from his incredible rise to superstardom. He's all about what comes next. His fierce inner drive, coupled with an outstanding work ethic and emerging leadership, only raises confidence further about his long-term outlook.
The NFL might have more film on Daniels now, but it's not like they were devoid of that last season. Stopping him was difficult then, and that's likely to remain the case with more experience under his belt.
Daniels is different. If the league doesn't know that by now, they never will.