Jayden Daniels: A Qualitative Leap in His Second Year
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has noticed a notable transformation in his game compared to the previous year, when he was preparing for his rookie season.Daniels attributes this evolution to a greater familiarity with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s system and a stronger connection with his teammates. In his first year, he focused on learning the system and adapting to the NFL, without worrying about leadership. Now, Daniels doesn’t hesitate to correct his teammates if they make mistakes, while processing the offense at a faster pace. Despite the limitations of his rookie season, Daniels was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and finished seventh in the MVP voting. He threw for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions, as well as running for 891 yards and six more touchdowns.Definitely, it’s like night and day.
Jayden Daniels
Commanders coach Dan Quinn commented on the big strides players can make in their second season. Quinn noted that Daniels already experienced that jump during his first year.It’s being more comfortable on offense. I understand what Kliff is calling and what we want to achieve as an offense. I have different tools in my belt to get to different protections, to get to different runs against certain looks.
Jayden Daniels
Veteran running back Austin Ekeler pointed out that this level of comfort has translated into a better leader. Quinn revealed that last year they didn’t want Daniels to worry about correcting his teammates or being a leader, but rather to focus on playing. Ekeler mentioned that Daniels kicked a teammate out of the meeting at Thursday’s practice after he committed a false start penalty.The more time in the system, it slowed down somehow. It could process things much faster, so it was harder to fool it with certain looks or certain things that came up. There’s a real trust that comes with that.
Dan Quinn
Daniels acknowledges that it is now part of his responsibility.He said, ‘Get out, we can’t be doing that.’ That’s leadership we wouldn’t have seen last year. He’s holding the standard, letting everyone know that’s how we play. If you’re not playing at this level, you can’t be on the field. It’s incredible to see it in a quarterback.
Austin Ekeler
I’m the one who has to maintain the standard. If the guys are false starting, he’s next. I take responsibility. If I mess up, I look for Zach [Ertz] and guys like him to hold me accountable.
Jayden Daniels
