Jayden Daniels is having a season for the ages. The Washington Commanders quarterback has been on a tear for the most part, proving his worth as a franchise-caliber presence. He also managed to join esteemed company by reaching two significant milestones in Week 15 at the New Orleans Saints.
The Commanders rode their luck despite looking comfortable in the first half. They needed a two-point conversion stop with no time remaining to secure their ninth victory of the campaign. Daniels played a huge role in the success, although he did miss Terry McLaurin on a deep touchdown late that would have put the game out of sight.
It's not about the performance at this stage of the campaign, especially for teams like the Commanders. It's about getting the job done by any means necessary. Daniels did just enough, which is all that matters at the end of the day.
The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft also managed to reach a target that very few quarterbacks have managed throughout their respective careers.
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels joins elite company on two fronts
Daniels is the fifth signal-caller in NFL history to four or more games with a completion percentage above 80 in a single season. He joins Drew Brees, Kirk Cousins, Trevor Lawrence, and Dak Prescott in this exclusive club. Not bad for a first-year pro.
That wasn't all. Daniels also became the fourth rookie quarterback in league history to accumulate 3,000 passing yards and 500 rushing yards in Year 1. Others to have achieved this feat are Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III, and Kyler Murray — all of whom won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Individual accolades and statistics are nice for Daniels. But the former LSU standout is more interested in the Commanders winning football games.
His competitive fire drove Washington through some troubling times this season and during their heart-stopping victory at the Saints. That's the only thing that matters to the Heisman Trophy winner.
The Commanders have a special player on their hands with Daniels. He's treading water right now — especially considering the player doesn't have Austin Ekeler, Zach Ertz, or Noah Brown to depend upon. But those in power must surround the Cajon High School product with better protection and more prolific weapons this offseason to take the next step.
That's for the future. For now, Daniels will be focused on the next challenge and nothing more.
The Philadelphia Eagles are next up for the Commanders. Looking at how the first contest between the two division rivals went earlier this season on Thursday Night Football, the dual-threat weapon and his teammates have their work cut out for them.
Regardless of how things turn out for the Commanders in 2024, they can relax safe in the knowledge picking Daniels was the correct call. Something that can propel the organization into legitimate contention once his support cast is enhanced.