5 critical observations from Commanders 2024 training camp Day 10
By Dean Jones
Jayden Daniels earning his stripes
Nothing was given to Jayden Daniels this offseason. The Washington Commanders wanted the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft to earn his starting spot. They wanted him to adjust quickly and firmly establish himself as a franchise-caliber presence under center. To say the quarterback responded positively would be an understatement.
Daniels' impressive on-field performances, tireless work ethic, and natural aura have everyone on board. He's been one of the stars of Washington's camp and will start their preseason opener at the New York Jets on Saturday afternoon as a result of his outstanding efforts.
Head coach Dan Quinn admitted to being surprised by the way Daniels has exceeded the levels anticipated throughout his early transition from college to the pros. He also laid praise at Marcus Mariota's door for the way he's pushed the former LSU star throughout training camp up to now.
"I had high expectations for him coming in, but I would say he's definitely surpassed even my expectations of the readiness, the command. I knew he was going to be cool, knowing the system, he's just got that way about him. But yet, you do see the other players gravitate toward [him]. They recognize how hard he's worked at it. And I'd also be mistaken [not] to say, [QB] Marcus [Mariota] has had a really good camp too, and so this was not something that's easy to do. That's what real competition is about. And I couldn't think of a better teammate than Marcus or Jayden. The quarterback room, like I said, has just been remarkable."
- Dan Quinn via Commanders.com
This competition between Daniels and Mariota always had one likely winner. Quinn wanted to see how the Commanders' great hope would perform under pressure from an established veteran. He's passed every test exceptionally well - something that only increases enthusiasm about what the dual-threat could be capable of in 2024 and beyond.
The Commanders have a special player on their hands with Daniels. He's done nothing to diminish this bold projection up to now. Performing well during his preseason involvement will only cement these claims before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.