Stunning Commanders preseason debut proves creativity is key for Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels' first taste of NFL action was brief - one drive to be exact. However, it only excited everyone associated with the Washington Commanders further about what the future might hold with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft under center.

Daniels' nerves were evident on a wayward first throw to veteran running back Austin Ekeler. After that, the Heisman Trophy winner was flawless, commanding proceedings effectively and coming up with the game's best highlight by a considerable margin.

Commanders need to maximize Jayden Daniels' exceptional instincts

The former LSU star delivered a deep strike on the perimeter to wide receiver Dyami Brown with ease. It hit the pass-catcher in stride and showcased the exceptional downfield accuracy he brings to the table. This long gain wasn't the original plan, but Daniels saw something worth exploiting and reacted accordingly.

Veteran right guard Sam Cosmi revealed that Daniels called the audible mid-play. This is more in keeping with experienced signal-callers rather than those embarking on their first seasons. The former second-round pick added how fun it was to be out there with such a dynamic quarterback - something he believes is just the start of what will hopefully be a profitable stint with the organization.

"He made a check mid-play. It turned out to be a big gain. We bunkered down and really went in there. He was calm and collected, which is what you want to see, and it was really impressive. We all sat on the sideline and we were like, 'Dang, that was really fun.' So, I think everyone should be very excited just from that little sneak peek right there. I know I am. I know the guys are fired up. I think we got a dude back there."

- Sam Cosmi

Going rogue is great when it comes off. It can irk coaches when things don't go according to plan. Thankfully, that's something Daniels didn't have to worry about thanks to his masterful distribution.

Dan Quinn revealed that Daniels didn't ask for permission to make the check. He saw how things looked on the field and acted on his supreme instincts. The head coach didn't seem too bothered by it based on comments via Ben Standig of The Athletic. If anything, it revealed the former LSU star's ability to spot perceived weaknesses in defensive alignments and use them to the team's advantage.

"It’s an interesting question, checking into (a long pass on third down). I thought of ‘Top Gun.’ Do I have permission to buzz the tower? No. Ghost Rider, the pattern is full. I think on that one, (Jayden) wanted to ask for forgiveness and not permission — and then throw an absolute dime over the top to Dyami [Brown]. So, it was a really cool play. I think it probably illustrates, for him, the awareness and checks and things that go into it. So, yeah, he did not ask for permission. He went ahead and buzzed the tower anyway."

- Dan Quinn via The Athletic

Having this freedom to flourish is essential for Daniels. If the Commanders wanted a more typical pocket passer working within a structure, their pick would have been Drake Maye. He's got an outstanding football acumen and knows how to improvise quickly through elite-level processing. It won't pay dividends all the time, but Washington's coaching staff needs to give him some leeway.

This is less about Daniels being a renegade and more about him relying on the tools that got him this far, to begin with. The Commanders know they have something special on their hands. Giving him a sense of flexibility to change plays depending on what he sees and when the situation dictates is paramount.

He'll toe the line as well, it's just about finding the right balance.

Things couldn't have gone much better for Daniels in his professional debut. If the dual threat manages to build more momentum before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there's just no telling what this franchise might achieve.

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