Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels earned no shortage of praise during his historic rookie season. That's no surprise given he led his team to the NFC Championship game and won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in a nearly unanimous vote.
That praise has continued to rain down on the NFL's newest superstar signal-caller throughout the offseason. Notably, one highly regarded Super Bowl-winning head coach has taken notice of Daniels' exceptional surge to elite-level standards.
Sean McVay lavished rightful praise on Commanders QB Jayden Daniels
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay lavished praise on Daniels when speaking to John Keim of ESPN. He also believes this is just the start of his greatness.
"The way he was playing the position, it sure looks sustainable. He has that swagger, that confidence, that enjoyment with competing … the smile, the ability to be totally immersed in the moment. That's one of the things I loved about watching him. I don't see that changing. … He's going to be really scary for a long time."Sean McVay via ESPN
McVay was one of several coaches who were interviewed by Keim at the annual league meeting in March. Others included Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons, Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Daniels' head coach, Dan Quinn.
Reid noted that Daniels' development will be all about how he responds to pressure in Year 2. Morris's analysis was much simpler: "He's sick."
McVay's praise is particularly notable. Not only is he considered one of the best offensive minds in the NFL today, but his coaching career first took off in D.C. during Mike Shanahan's tenure.
Between 2010 and 2016, McVay worked his way up from an offensive assistant to tight ends coach, to finally offensive coordinator under Jay Gruden. He was then hired away by the Rams in 2017 at the ripe age of 30, becoming the youngest head coach in NFL history. He then went on to become the youngest to win a Super Bowl.
During his time in Washington, McVay helped develop Kirk Cousins from a fourth-round pick and projected career backup into a Pro Bowler. He was the most consistent quarterback the franchise had seen in decades during his three seasons as a full-time starter.
Of all people, McVay should be well aware of how long Commanders fans have waited for a passer of Daniels' caliber.
The Commanders did not play against McVay's Rams in 2024, and will also avoid them this upcoming season. Whenever Daniels does eventually face off against the former Washington coordinator's squad, one can imagine it will be quite the compelling matchup of offensive firepower.