5 bold predictions for Commanders QB Jayden Daniels in Week 3 at Bengals
By Dean Jones
Jayden Daniels throws for 270+ yards
Jayden Daniels is an electrifying runner on and off-script. Joe Burrow is more of a pocket passer capable of exceptional accuracy at all three levels of the field that very few can match. Other players will have a significant impact on proceedings, but this might be a straight fight between the two former LSU stars when it's all said and done.
What better time for Daniels to prove he can hang with the league's best than on Monday Night Football? It's a lot to ask in his third regular-season game, but the Commanders have to take the stabilizers off at some stage. They might not have much choice if the Cincinnati Bengals offense - and Burrow, in particular - have their way with an indifferent Washington defense from the get-go.
Daniels has got the arm to carve out significant yards through the air. He's got Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Zach Ertz, and others capable of creating separation if schemed effectively. He's also got two prolific backfield partners - Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler - capable of keeping the chains moving.
The Commanders might have to turn this into a shootout to stand any chance. Look for Daniels to put up the best passing numbers of his fledgling career in pursuit of keeping up with Burrow.
Jayden Daniels leads Commanders to bombshell victory
The Commanders have no pressure on their shoulders when they travel to Paycor Stadium. Their opponents are 0-2 after coming into the campaign with hopes of a deep postseason run. Fans will be expecting the Cincinnati Bengals to roll over Washington to get their campaign up and running. This could provide a sense of freedom that wasn't evident last time out.
If the Commanders can get anything from this game, it'll be a bonus. It would also indicate they are way ahead of schedule, no matter how unlikely it appears right now.
Jayden Daniels holds the key. There isn't much chance of Washington's defense containing the Bengals' offensive firepower. The onus will be on the No. 2 pick to fight back and keep the Commanders in the contest. Easier said than done, but it's a challenge he's sure to relish.
Daniels has the talent. That's not up for discussion. How he copes with a nationally televised audience for the first time at the NFL level will be a crucial component. But the player's calm demeanor and poise should be enough to keep an even keel.
Gaining a win would be an unbelievable accomplishment. Something that would make the league start taking this once-downtrodden organization seriously at long last.
More Commanders news and analysis
feed