5 attainable goals for Commanders QB Jayden Daniels in 2024
By Dean Jones
Jayden Daniels gains 3,750 passing yards
Jayden Daniels has everything one looks for in a dynamic modern-day quarterback. He's decisive, explosive, and can get fans out of the wilderness and back into the stands. Tempering expectations initially would be smart, but the Washington Commanders could have something special on their hands looking at his outstanding integration since becoming the No. 2 pick.
Daniels' confidence in throwing the football is arguably his biggest strength. He's fearless in the pocket and has the velocity to get the football into tight windows with ease. His seven interceptions from 502 pass attempts at LSU provide an example of his sound choices and shrewd ability to go through his progressions effectively.
Passing standards have evolved as offenses become more dependent on gaining yards through the air. If a quarterback gains 4,000 yards, that's considered a moderate achievement these days. Most see 5,000 passing yards as the gold standard. Expecting Daniels to reach these heights as a rookie is pushing things.
There's a quiet confidence that Daniels can excel. It'll be a rollercoaster ride, but setting a target of 3,750 passing yards - 220.5 per game on average - is lofty yet attainable looking at the physical gifts at his disposal.
Jayden Daniels gains a 65% completion percentage
One of the most encouraging aspects of Jayden Daniels' production throughout his college career and the offseason program was his distribution. The signal-caller is poised in the pocket and accurate at all three levels of the field. There's also a lot to like about his decision-making, which defies his inexperience in a professional setting.
The Commanders are going to benefit enormously from Daniels' rapid-fire release and ability to get the football out on time to his pass-catchers. If the wide receivers and enhanced tight end unit maximize these opportunities, offensive progress will be immediate.
Daniels won't have it all his way. The speed is quicker and the margins are slimmer in the NFL. The Cajon High School product got a small taste of this during the preseason. What comes next will be something else entirely.
If Daniels can set himself the goal of completing 65 percent of his passes - which would have placed him 13-16 range for quarterbacks league-wide last season - that represents a solid foundation from which to build. However, he could be aiming higher if the player's supporting cast meets their end of the bargain.