Commanders breakout star striving to help Jayden Daniels prosper in 2024

The Washington Commanders are banking heavily on Jayden Daniels. They've placed a tremendous amount of faith in the quarterback as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's made the best start possible to life with the team, but this isn't going to be a one-man show by any stretch of the imagination.

Every young signal-caller needs a strong support system in place. One only has to examine the differing fortunes of C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young - the top two picks in the 2023 draft - to see why the environment matters. The Commanders have the right infrastructure around Daniels. The onus is on other position groups to meet their end of the deal.

One of the primary keys to Daniels' success next season and beyond centers on the running game. This needs to set the tone and take some pressure off the Heisman Trophy winner. It should also open up space and provide some extra time in the pocket if play-action and run-pass option concepts are implemented effectively by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Commanders running backs can assist Jayden Daniels' pivotal transition in 2024

Brian Robinson Jr. - a potential breakout star for the Commanders in 2024 - is confident he and veteran free-agent signing Austin Ekeler can help Daniels prosper next season. The former Alabama star is confident about how things are developing - a trend he wants to continue in the coming weeks before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers based on comments via the team's website.

"I feel like it'll help him tremendously. Just knowing that he always has an option in the running backs. Anytime me or Austin are in the game, it shouldn't be a problem for him to find us, or check down to us, or find us in the pass game just as much as he can find a receiver. We just got to continue to build that confidence in him to trust us with our pass catching, and I feel like we've been doing a great job with that."

- Brian Robinson Jr. via Commanders.com

If the Commanders get the ground game going, it provides the platform for Daniels to showcase his exceptional athletic attributes. It's also worth remembering that the LSU product is also a significant threat to generate yards on the move, although Washington would be wise to pick their spots to avoid any unnecessary complications.

Robinson and Ekeler look like a productive tandem. The wily veteran and the explosive third-year pro complement each other extremely well. Both also have the skills to be workable check-down outlets in the passing game - something Daniels will need often when things aren't developing downfield as expected.

This is all about helping each other along. Much will depend on the offensive line and whether they can withstand the inevitable pressure coming their way, but things are looking up in that regard too according to those in attendance at camp.

If Daniels, Robinson, and Ekeler hit it off, the Commanders are going to be a force rushing the football next season. It'll be a nightmare for opposing defenses to scheme against, which will allow more opportunities for the wide receivers to thrive with attention directed elsewhere.

This is a recipe for success. It's not guaranteed by any stretch, but it's hard to envisage a scenario where this trio can't give the spark that ignites the Commanders' offense in 2024.

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