Jayden Daniels Named Washington Commanders’ Starting QB for 2024 Season

The Washington Commanders have officially named Jayden Daniels as their starting quarterback for the 2024 season, solidifying what many had anticipated since the NFL Draft. Head coach Dan Quinn made the announcement Monday, confirming that the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner will lead the team’s offense moving forward.

Since being selected as the second overall pick in April’s draft, Daniels has steadily progressed through training camp, gradually taking over the reins from veteran Marcus Mariota. While Mariota initially took most of the first-team reps early in the offseason, it became evident over the past three weeks that the team was grooming Daniels for the starting role. Daniels had been working exclusively with the first-team offense, participating in both full-team drills and 7-on-7 sessions.

Mariota’s hamstring injury, which kept him out of the second preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, did not influence the Commanders’ decision. Daniels had already cemented his status as the starter, showcasing the skills that made him a top draft pick.

In his two preseason appearances, Daniels displayed the poise, accuracy, and quick decision-making that had drawn praise from coaches and teammates alike. He completed 12-of-15 passes for 123 yards, adding a three-yard rushing touchdown on a zone-read play against the New York Jets. His ability to check out of a screen pass based on defensive coverage led to a 42-yard completion to wide receiver Dyami Brown, illustrating his football IQ and adaptability under pressure.

Against the Dolphins, Daniels further impressed by completing 10-of-12 passes for 78 yards. His quick release, averaging just 2.02 seconds before throwing according to Next Gen Stats, helped him avoid multiple potential sacks and kept the Commanders’ offense moving efficiently. This ability to make rapid decisions under duress is a critical trait for a young quarterback transitioning to the NFL.

Jayden Daniels’ rise to the starting position has been met with enthusiasm within the organization. His accuracy and ball placement, which were standout qualities during his collegiate career, have translated well to the professional level. Additionally, Daniels’ work ethic and leadership qualities have quickly earned him the respect of his teammates. Coach Dan Quinn noted that Daniels possesses a unique blend of “humility and swagger,” making him not only a skilled quarterback but also a natural leader on and off the field.

The Commanders’ front office and coaching staff were enamored with Daniels early in the draft process but kept their intentions under wraps. Despite widespread speculation that Caleb Williams might be their choice, Washington remained focused on Daniels, recognizing the qualities that made him the perfect fit for their system. The decision to draft Daniels over other potential candidates has so far been validated by his performance in camp and preseason games.

As the Commanders prepare for the 2024 season, all eyes will be on Jayden Daniels as he leads the team into a new era. His development and performance will be crucial to Washington’s success, especially in a competitive NFC East division. With a solid preseason foundation, Daniels is poised to take the next step in his career and establish himself as a franchise quarterback.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Daniels handles the pressures of the regular season. If his preseason performances are any indication, the Commanders may have found their quarterback of the future in Jayden Daniels.