5 major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance at the Cardinals

Jayden Daniels took center stage once again following his remarkable performance at the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft got the league's attention by spearheading the Washington Commanders to an improbable victory with the national spotlight glaring. He looked to prove this was no fluke in Week 4.

The Arizona Cardinals were not going to roll over and let Daniels have his way. This is a talented defensive unit despite missing stud interior lineman Justin Jones through injury. It presented a different challenge for the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU, but it was hard to ignore the momentum on his side after leading the Commanders on 14-straight scoring drives and two consecutive wins heading into the clash.

Daniels is on the fast track to superstardom, even though this was always going to be a gradual process for the team overall. As it turned out, the signal-caller turned on the style again to lead Washington to another incredible road success as they moved to 3-1 on the season.

With this in mind, here are five major observations from Daniels' performance against the Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Week 4.

Major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance in Week 4 at the Cardinals

Jayden Daniels' fast start

The Washington Commanders looked on course for another high-scoring affair after coming out of the gate flying once again. Jayden Daniels was at the forefront, commanding the huddle superbly and completing his first seven passes for good measure.

Washington relied heavily on the rushing attack led by Brian Robinson Jr. and Jeremy McNichols, who both went in for early scores. But it was Daniels' precision and timing that caught the eye - not for the first time since he joined the franchise.

This set the tone and let the Arizona Cardinals know they were in for a real game. Daniels is getting more comfortable in the pocket and boasts maturity beyond his years. His lightning-fast release, elusiveness in tight windows, and his fearless throwing nature only add to the level of confusion he causes opposing defenses.

Jayden Daniels' first big mistake

Jayden Daniels wasn't going to go through an entire NFL season without giving away an interception. That's an impossible feat. Something that proved accurate with the first giveaway of his professional career in the second quarter at State Farm Stadium.

Daniels made the right read on the throw. The Arizona Cardinals were in Cover 2 and Terry McLaurin had a mismatch on the inside route. Unfortunately for Daniels, his attempt was a little high and behind the Pro Bowl wide receiver. He was punished accordingly after defensive back Garrett Williams came down with it.

The Commanders' defense bailed him out. Daniels was unphased by the turnover, shrugging it off and continuing about his business as all good quarterbacks do. Not that there was any doubt about that considering his flawless mindset and calm demeanor throughout his time in Washington so far.

Focusing on the next play whether it goes well or not is another fine trait Daniels put on full display in this one. One interception wasn't going to alter that.

Jayden Daniels' first half support system

Aside from the interception, it was a solid first half from Jayden Daniels. He didn't seem phased by anything the Cardinals were throwing at him, going through his progressions quickly and taking advantage of opportunities when they arose. It wasn't perfect, but this is a player in his fourth competitive NFL game, so it was never going to be.

Kliff Kingsbury schemed things up effectively once again. He got Daniels into an early rhythm, didn't give him too much to do behind a strong rushing attack, and got his playmakers in a position where their signal-caller could find them. More importantly, Washington went into the interval with a 17-7 lead on the road.

Daniels' first-half performance was reflected in the statistics. Nothing too flashy, but more than enough to get the job done with such an efficient operation alongside him.

• 84.61 percent completion
• 95 passing yards
• 0 touchdowns
• 1 interception
• 28 rushing yards
• 0 sacks against
• 65.1 passer rating (ESPN)

No quarterback can - or should - do it alone. Rookie quarterbacks often get thrown into toxic situations without the correct support system in place. It seems for all the smart money as if Daniels has landed in the best possible atmosphere to thrive.

Jayden Daniels' killer instinct

The bigger the moment, the better Jayden Daniels performs. With the Arizona Cardinals showing signs of life to begin the fourth quarter, the quarterback displayed the killer instinct that convinced those in power he was the right guy to spearhead this franchise into an exciting new era.

Daniels' killer instinct has electrified the Washington Commanders through the opening four weeks. His clinical drive to ice the game was a testament to his poise, ruthlessness, and ability to thrive with the spotlight shining bright. The throws to Terry McLaurin and Luke McCaffrey were astonishing, oozing confidence at a time when most quarterbacks around the league fold.

The Cajon Hiigh Schoool product capped off a sensational series by throwing it right into the hands of McLaurin for a touchdown. The accuracy, velocity, and anticipation had Washington fans collectively dropping their jaws almost in disbelief. It was a laser expertly brought in by the former Ohio State standout to continue this blossoming relationship.

This is a fairytale for an organization that's been in the doldrums for so long. After an age in the proverbial wilderness, Daniels looks like the guy to finally bring back prosperity to one of the league's most storied franchises.

Commanders' confidence in Jayden Daniels

It's not just Jayden Daniels that has the self-confidence needed to inspire others around him. Everyone on the Commanders has 100 percent faith in their quarterback.

They trust him in the big moments. They trust him to get the job done in even the most difficult circumstances. They trust him to execute the game plan like a seasoned veteran even though he's accumulated just four regular-season games as a pro.

This is a dream. The Commanders have waited years for someone like Daniels - a calm customer with efficiency and ice in his veins. He's taken the organization by storm. And he's struck fear into those around the league in double-quick time.

The future is incredibly bright with Daniels. Washington thought they had something special on its hands and those in power reportedly had him at No. 1 on their draft board over Caleb Williams. Looking at his production through the first quarter of the campaign, it's not hard to see why.

Daniels is a superstar. And the most important thing above all else? He's only going to get better.

That's a scary thought.

More Commanders news and analysis