Commanders QB Jayden Daniels has arrived, and the NFL is officially on notice

It's been a long time since the Washington Commanders had a genuine franchise quarterback.

It looks like they have one now.

Jayden Daniels officially announced himself on the NFL stage with a blistering display of poise, precision, and exceptional playmaking at the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft was an absolute revelation from start to finish. He not only went toe-to-toe with fellow Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, he got the better of him.

Daniels dissected the Bengals' defense at will. Kliff Kingsbury opened up the offense after taking things slowly with the player during his opening two NFL games in a competitive setting. Some thought this made the Commanders predictable, but they were anything but to put up 38 points on the road at Paycor Stadium.

It was one memorable highlight after another. Daniels' comfort level in the pocket defies his inexperience at the next level. He's elusive and boasts full trust in his much-improved offensive line. When the time came to deliver in the clutch, the former LSU standout delivered for the second straight week.

The Commanders are onto something with Daniels, who completed 91.3 percent of his passes, didn't turn the football over, threw the first two touchdowns of his professional career, and earned a jaw-dropping 93.0 QBR as a result of his efforts. Everyone in the building believes this is the signal-caller to lead them to the promised land. Even his harshest critics pre-draft are now convinced.

This exceptional performance drew widespread plaudits as expected. Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was arguably the most notable, letting his feelings know about Daniels in no uncertain terms after seeing him in the flesh for the first time.

"He's a great f'n player, I'm not gonna lie. That was my first time sitting down and watching him besides the spring games [at LSU]. So he's a very outstanding player."

- Ja'Marr Chase

Washington isn't the finished product by any stretch. The defense remains a severe issue and will be exposed to better opposition. What Daniels has proved in a short space of time is that if given the chance, he can take this storied franchise forward if everyone else does their part.

This could lead general manager Adam Peters into action on the recruitment front. The Commanders are further ahead than expected thanks in no small part to Daniels' presence under center. Examining cornerback and edge rushing possibilities before the trade deadline could be worth its weight in gold.

That's for the future. For now, Commanders fans can revel in being relevant once again.

It's been a while since this happened and there was something positive to say regarding the organization. Nobody in the building is getting too carried away, but head coach Dan Quinn cannot be anything other than thrilled with a 2-1 start after so many changes throughout the offseason.

It's a collective effort, but the Commanders will only go as far as Daniels takes them. Fortunately for those in power, it looks like they drafted a bonafide superstar capable of thriving in the biggest moments.

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