Jayden Daniels' preseason debut leaves Commanders fans salivating

The level of expectation on Jayden Daniels' shoulders entering his rookie season is immense. Big things are expected of the dynamic quarterback after the Washington Commanders selected him at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. His preseason debut was the first real chance to see what he could bring to the franchise.

Daniels walked into the building with supreme confidence. The transition was seamless, impressing coaches and winning the respect of teammates. This was just the first step in pursuit of taking the league by storm.

After getting his opening taste of legitimate NFL competition during a joint practice with the New York Jets, the Heisman Trophy winner started versus Robert Saleh's men at MetLife Stadium. Dan Quinn wasn't going to leave Daniels out on the field for long - especially with the team's top three offensive tackles all missing from the lineup. However, getting valuable reps into the dual-threat was essential to his development.

This was the moment Daniels had been working his whole life for. Leaving a good impression and relying on the traits that made him such a highly coveted prospect were the primary objectives. The sample size was small, but everything went off without a hitch.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels impressed during limited involvement

There was a lot to like about the way Daniels applied himself. He took complete control in the huddle. His cadences were on point. More importantly, the former LSU star took care of the football.

It was a nervy start to proceedings. Daniels' first throw was a reflection of this as it sailed over veteran running back Austin Ekeler's head. The second was a testament to what this great hope for the organization is capable of.

Daniels got a clean pocket and took full advantage with a deep connection to wide receiver Dyami Brown. It was expertly thrown, reached the former third-round selection in stride, and he came down with the football. An extraordinary play that only whets the appetite further before the campaign.

This connection has been growing throughout the offseason. It also virtually confirms Brown's status on the 53-man roster after all hope seemed lost following a disappointing first three years with the Commanders.

The Cajon High School product finished off the drive by going in for a touchdown from short range after keeping a zone-read. This was the best possible start to his NFL journey. Granted, it wasn't against the Jets' first string, but it was encouraging nonetheless.

Daniels eventually finished his time on the field with 2-of-3 passes for 45 yards and a 109.7 passer rating. He carried once for three rushing yards and a touchdown. That was enough for the Commanders to give their new prized possession the rest of the day off.

This was another feather in Daniels' cap. He looks like a franchise quarterback - someone capable of dragging the Commanders from football obscurity and back into contention. This performance - albeit brief - was another confidence boost with the regular season just a few short weeks away.

If the same trend continues before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, expectations will go through the roof.

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