5 bold predictions for Commanders QB Jayden Daniels in Week 1 at Buccaneers

Jayden Daniels earns 12.0 yards per completion

Jayden Daniels gained a 13.8 yards per completion average during his Heisman Trophy-winning campaign at LSU in 2023. However, it's also worth remembering that he had two first-round picks - Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. - providing him with an exceptional vertical threat that caused opposing defenses nightmares throughout the season.

The Washington Commanders don't have this caliber of talent aside from Terry McLaurin. Hopes are high that the likes of Luke McCaffrey, Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, and recent arrival Noah Brown can assist. Nobody is sure how much right now.

It's not going to be easy for Daniels. At the same time, there could be opportunities to push the football downfield with his exceptional accuracy. This centers on getting time in the pocket and establishing the run before anything else.

Connections to Dyami Brown and McLaurin were frequent for lofty gains over camp and the preseason. We've already spoken about how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' pass defense can become exposed when pressure doesn't arrive. If Daniels can emerge from this one with a 12.0 yards per completion success rate, it's a bold yet attainable target given the outstanding physical gifts he brings to the table.

Jayden Daniels gains 75 rushing yards

The Commanders need to be careful with Jayden Daniels' ability to generate significant yards on the ground. Removing this element from his game isn't an option, especially given he went for more than 2,000 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns over his final two seasons at LSU. However, limiting the risk of punishment with their new prized possession is equally important.

Daniels can improvise and is explosive enough to turn negative yardage into a big gain quickly. That comes with potential complications, so the onus is on offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to pick his spots and, more importantly, keep the dual-threat out of harm's way.

Teams will be wary of Daniels' running ability after studying his college film. This should keep defenses honest, especially if Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler become the productive running back tandem most are anticipating.

There will be a couple of splash plays from Daniels on the ground, there always are. If the Cajon High School product can gain 75 rushing yards as a result of his efforts, that'll do the Commanders' chances of triumphing a tremendous amount of good.