5 critical Jayden Daniels observations from Commanders 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Jayden Daniels' downfield threat
One of the biggest positives around Jayden Daniels during his pre-draft assessments centered on his downfield accuracy. The quarterback has an absolute cannon for an arm, delivering the football with flawless power and precision in pursuit of chunk plays downfield.
Daniels has an exciting capability and supreme confidence to get the launch codes and fire at will. The Washington Commanders will run a balanced offense under coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's guidance, but opposing defenses must always account for the signal-caller's ability to stretch the field on any given down.
The All-American college prospect demonstrated this on countless occasions over training camp. Daniels is developing an encouraging downfield chemistry with Dyami Brown and Terry McLaurin - two wideouts who'll play an important role this season. Some throws have been nothing short of jaw-dropping, including the first completion of his professional career in Washington's preseason opener at the New York Jets.
Commanders fans turned away in their droves throughout Dan Snyder's two-decade reign of terror. Daniels' electrifying traits and ability to make significant gains through the air should get them back into the stands in no time.
Commanders' excitement around Jayden Daniels
The Commanders cannot be anything other than thrilled by the way Jayden Daniels shone throughout the team's training camp. They're banking on the quarterback turning this franchise from a bottom-feeder into a legitimate contender. He cannot do it alone, but he's the most important piece of the puzzle by a considerable margin.
Excitement is palpable in everyone associated with the organization where their new prized possession is concerned. Coaches and players are gushing in their praise of Daniels. Fans are dreaming of a bright future. Even his harshest pre-draft skeptics are coming around. Getting it done in a competitive setting is the toughest test, but everything is going much better than originally anticipated.
Daniels was officially named the starting quarterback by head coach Dan Quinn after Preseason Week 2 at the Miami Dolphins, which was a foregone conclusion from a long way out. The signal-caller is staying on an even keel and isn't getting complacent. He knows what a big responsibility awaits him and is leaving nothing to chance. This sort of elite-level mindset is why the Commanders brought the dynamic dual threat into the fold.
It's getting harder and harder to temper expectations around Daniels. He'll go through some struggles and won't have things his way all the time. But the rookie's overall demeanor defies his tender age - something that represents an outstanding platform from which to build a productive NFL career in Washington.