Jayden Daniels proved one thing above all else in Week 2 against the New York Giants. If his Washington Commanders teammates and coaches give him a chance to come through in the clutch, he'll deliver the goods.
It was a much-improved performance from Daniels during his home regular-season debut at Northwest Stadium. He looked more comfortable in the pocket, relied less on his legs to generate yardage, and moved the football downfield frequently. Had the Commanders managed to convert some of their red-zone opportunities into touchdowns, this would have been out of sight long before Austin Seibert nailed a walk-off field goal.
This will be a big confidence boost for Daniels. However, there are tougher tests upcoming for the No., 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. These will provide those in power with a better-measuring stick of where their prized possession is and what more he has to work on.
These difficult games start with Daniels' first primetime contest of his NFL career. The Commanders travel to the Cincinnati Bengals for Monday Night Football, which is a chance for the franchise to prove they aren't the whipping boys of old. It's also an opportunity for the former LSU star to formally announce himself with the entire football world watching.
A fascinating evening awaits. With this in mind, here are five bold predictions for Daniels at Paycor Stadium in Week 3.
Bold predictions for Commanders QB Jayden Daniels in Week 3 at Bengals
Jayden Daniels throws two touchdowns
Much has been made about the rookie quarterbacks struggling to adjust over the opening fortnight. Jayden Daniels is the exception, but he's yet to throw his first NFL touchdown entering Week 3.
Had the offensive line been more disciplined in the red zone versus the New York Giants, it might be a different story. That's something Daniels will be looking to rectify on Monday Night Football. There's also a chance the Washington Commanders could be playing from behind unless their defense can somehow stop quarterback Joe Burrow from doing damage.
It would be a surprise if Daniels didn't throw his first regular-season touchdown this week. If he could get two, that might keep this contest closer than most anticipate.
Jayden Daniels doubles intended air yards number
Kliff Kingsbury has taken things slowly with Jayden Daniels during his initial transition to the NFL. The Washington Commanders' offensive coordinator isn't asking his signal-caller to be Superman or putting too much on his plate early. He's keeping things simple while also providing the quarterback with an extra sense of freedom to be creative when things aren't developing downfield as anticipated.
Kingsbury will open things up offensively as Daniels accumulates more experience. The play-caller might not have a choice on Monday Night Football at the Cincinnati Bengals, especially if they get prolific wide receiver Tee Higgins back from injury to pair with Ja'Marr Chase.
The Bengals have frailties, but they can put up points in a hurry when in the mood. This is something Washington's offense must be ready for and adjust to accordingly. Kingsbury will have a strategy in place, but he must also trust Daniels to go toe-to-toe with fellow LSU Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow if needed.
Daniels' intended air yards per pass attempt stands at 4.5 through two weeks. This might need to be doubled if the Commanders are chasing the game in the second half.
Jayden Daniels gets three pass-catchers over 60 yards
The Commanders' passing game hasn't got going fully as yet. That's not uncommon considering there is a new system, new blocking concepts, new faces, and a new franchise quarterback all coming together. There were encouraging signs in Week 2, especially on the game's final drive. This needs to be turned up exponentially against the Cincinnati Bengals looking at their firepower.
This is going to be difficult. For all the Bengals' faults, their pass defense has been impressive this season. They are conceding 128.5 yards per game through the air, which is No. 2 league-wide thanks to strong coverage and an exceptional pass rush led by stud defensive end Trey Hendrickson. If the same trend continues on Monday Night Football, the Commanders might be in for a rough evening.
Jayden Daniels has to take this contest by the scruff of the neck. It is something he managed countless times in college at LSU and Arizona State. He'll need more help in the pros to gain similar success.
Washington's pass-catchers need to stand up and be counted in the face of high-quality opposition. If Daniels can get three of them - whether it be wide receivers, tight ends, or running backs - over 60 receiving yards, that should give the Commanders a fighting chance.
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.