Jayden Daniels vs. Lamar Jackson: Tale of the tape for captivating Week 6 showdown

Dan Quinn doesn't want to talk about it, but the comparisons between Jayden Daniels and Lamar Jackson are inevitable. The indirect dual between the NFL's most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks will decide Week 6's meeting between the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.

Daniels' electric performances through five games of his rookie campaign mean the Commanders need fear no team, but Jackson might make them uneasy. He's playing a brand of football arguably more spectacular than the rookie, although there are similarities in how the two are making pro defenses look amateurish.

Those similarities begin with competing stat lines.

Jayden Daniels vs. Lamar Jackson: Tale of the tape

Jayden Daniels is more accurate, Lamar Jackson's making more big plays

There's not much to choose between these two Heisman Trophy-winning throwing and rushing sensations. Differences are subtle, like how each is faring as a passer early during the 2024 season.

To sum it up, Daniels is the more accurate. The Commanders' instant QB1 has completed 101 of 131 pass attempts for a completion percentage of 77.1. He also has an on-target percentage of 84.7, quite astonishing for a rookie. Who said the pro game has to be hard?

Jackson's 65.3 completion mark and 71.7 on-target success hardly compare, but the two-time NFL MVP is finding more rewards for his passes. More first downs, 60 compared with Daniels' 53, and more touchdowns, where he has a nine-to-four advantage.

The latter number is bloated by Jackson's four touchdown passes against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5. His arm was on point at Paycor Stadium, but the former first-round pick's ability to play off-script hit the opposition where it hurts.

Daniels shares the same flair for the unpredictable.

Expect the unexpected from Jayden Daniels, Lamar Jackson

You could cut together entire highlight reels dedicated solely to the ad-libbed plays these two make, both on the ground and through the air. Jackson's had defenders chasing shadows for years, but he took his Houdini act to new levels in Cincinnati.

This escapologist's special that ended in a touchdown toss to tight end Isaiah Likely will be a staple of NFL Films for as long as the game is played.

The ability to conjure big plays from seemingly hopeless situations has a two-fold impact. First, it lets the Ravens know they're never out of any play, nor any game, as long as No. 8 can still somehow get his hands on the ball.

That confidence contrasts sharply with the fear Jackson's video game-ball antics strike into the hearts of defensive players. No matter how tough the unit, every player on every defense knows he can make them foolish at any moment. Nobody wants to be famous for the wrong reasons.

Those are benefits the Commanders have only been able to dream of since Robert Griffin III's knee blew up in the playoffs over a decade ago. Daniels' arrival has brought the big-play swagger back to the Burgundy and Gold.

The Cleveland Browns joined the Bengals and Arizona Cardinals as defenses left to wonder how on earth Daniels did this to them.

It's a contradiction in terms, but Daniels and Jackson are making the unusual routine. So much so that expecting a moment of unexpected, improvised brilliance from both quarterbacks this weekend is a safe prediction.

Jayden Daniels can win the numbers game

If you want more predictions for both, expect Daniels to win the numbers game. His confidence is rising all the time in a scheme expertly called by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The two can salvage a surprisingly below-par Ravens defense ranked No. 26 in points and No. 19 in yards.

Wily former defensive assistant Dean Pees has been brought in to help first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. He might have something up his sleeve for Daniels, but the No. 2 pick in this year's draft should still enjoy his finest day yet as a passer, topping the 260-yard mark and putting a pair of touchdowns on the board.

Daniels can also outrush Jackson. That's a bolder prediction, but the Ravens haven't kept anybody in the pocket consistently. The LSU product is the most prolific rushing signal-caller they've faced.

Let's chuck another 80-odd rushing yards on the stat sheet. His exploits will tie the Ravens in knots, but Jackson will scoop the bigger, more tangible prize of victory, despite even an NFC East rival giving Daniels the edge.

Lamar Jackson can win the turnover battle and the game

One underrated factor is turnovers. Those pesky things are starting to creep into Daniels' performances after interceptions in his last two games. Jackson, meanwhile, has only been picked off once.

The Ravens can catch Daniels out late on, the way cornerback Marlon Humphrey did when he snatched a Joe Burrow slant pass in a crucial moment against the Bengals. This level of savvy can trap any rookie. Washington's franchise player will fall victim, but Jackson should protect the ball better.

It has the makings of a game like the ones Jackson produced to earn wins over the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills. When he threw for less than 200 yards on both occasions but leaned on the brute force of running back Derrick Henry to get over the finish line.

The Commanders are allowing 5.1 yards per carry, so Henry could become a bigger threat than Jackson. If that happens, Daniels will be left frustrated when his latest playmaking efforts ultimately count for naught.

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