5 major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance vs. the Browns
By Dean Jones
It's been another week full of lavish praise for Jayden Daniels. The quarterback's exceptional start to the 2024 campaign continued with a mesmerizing performance at the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4. It's early days and nobody within the Washington Commanders is getting too carried away, but it looks like their complex riddle at football's most important position has been solved.
Daniels just has an aura about him. No moment is too big. The brighter the stage, the better he plays. That's the sort of signal-caller everyone can get behind, least of all a franchise that's been starved of consistent quarterback production since Kirk Cousin left for the Minnesota Vikings after getting two straight franchise tags.
Momentum is building around the Commanders and Daniels. Their home game against the Cleveland Browns was arguably the best defense he's faced so far. No unit with All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett should be taken lightly, but hopes were high that Washington's improved offensive line could give the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft a fighting chance.
As it turned out, the Commanders blew away the Browns with minimal fuss to move to 4-1 on the season. With this in mind, here are five major observations from Daniels' performance in Week 5 at Northwest Stadium.
Major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance vs. the Browns
Jayden Daniels' early highlight
Jayden Daniels didn't waste much time in showcasing his elite-level skills in this one. One play, in particular, sent the crowd at Northwest Stadium into delirium.
Just when it looked like Daniels was en route to getting sacked, the signal-caller somehow escaped pressure before launching a deep bomb that hit Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin in stride for a 66-yard completion. It was a remarkable throw and further evidence of what a special player the Washington Commanders have on their hands.
These are skills that cannot be taught. Daniels is elusive, fearless, and can get the football downfield effortlessly in the blink of an eye. McLaurin is the primary beneficiary so far - something the wideout richly deserves after having to cope with subpar production under center from the moment he was drafted.