In the end, the Commanders have discovered their franchise quarterback

Jayden Daniels has the NFL scouting group buzzing after a prime-time breakout efficiency that has league personnel reviewing their notes on the previous LSU standout. The Heisman Trophy winner has taken the league by storm, exhibiting the dual-threat playmaking means that provides defensive coordinators sleepless nights when pondering the best way to defend the Washington Commanders‘ new QB1.�

Regardless of getting into the NFL because the second total choose behind Caleb Williams, the 6-foot-4, 210-pounder seems just like the crown jewel of a quarterback class that options three rookie starters (Williams, Daniels and Bo Nix) with one other (Drake Maye) on the horizon. Daniels’ spectacular play has captivated informal observers whereas impressing quarterback gurus together with his effectivity in directing the Commanders offense like a 10-year vet.�

Although Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt beforehand instructed Daniels was working a “school offense” with simplistic ideas, the rookie has dazzled as a playmaker in new Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme. He leads the NFL with an 80.3% completion charge and ranks fifth in passer ranking (111.8), averaging 221.3 go yards per sport with two touchdowns and no interceptions.�

Moreover, Daniels has rushed for 171 yards and three touchdowns on 38 carries, exhibiting the velocity, quickness, and playmaking means to elude and evade defenders on designed runs and scrambles. With the Commanders’ system additionally that includes a group of complementary RPOs (run-pass choices), quick-rhythm throws, and selective deep photographs, the rookie has shined as a first-time starter in a league that routinely chews up and spits out younger quarterbacks.�

Throughout the pre-draft course of, it was straightforward to ascertain Daniels excelling as a franchise quarterback primarily based on his expertise (55 collegiate begins), distinctive arm expertise, and athleticism.�

The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner tallied 12,749 passing yards and three,307 dashing yards as a collegian with 124 complete touchdowns (89 passing, 34 dashing and one receiving). Daniels rushed and handed for a landing 22 instances throughout his profession (13 at LSU, 9 at Arizona State), displaying spectacular stop-start quickness and elusiveness as a runner to enrich a cultured sport from the pocket.

Although it took a five-year journey for the younger quarterback to refine his sport on the collegiate degree, the prolonged keep enabled Daniels to log the required reps to grasp a number of essential points of the place. From mastering the artwork of studying protection and working on the line of scrimmage to controlling feelings in high-pressure conditions, Daniels entered the league as a mature participant with the poise, composure, and confidence to step right into a veteran-laden locker room with the self-assuredness required to tackle a management function.�

Whereas some coaches will appoint younger gamers captains with out making them earn the place, the Commanders’ QB1 received over his teammates together with his preparation, efficiency and total consistency. Daniels confirmed up and confirmed out all through OTAs (organized crew actions) and minicamps and continued to dazzle in coaching camp and preseason video games.�

Throughout the common season, the rookie has taken his sport up a notch, together with his poise and efficiency serving to the Commanders race out to a 2-1 begin. Daniels has directed the offense to 14 straight scoring drives (excluding kneel-downs) with a poise that has helped the unit overcome difficult late-game circumstances. Whether or not using his legs or pinpoint go abilities to transform fourth downs, the rookie has answered the bell every time his crew wants a play.�

Monitoring Daniels’ hit chart, the Commanders have progressively added extra vertical throws to the sport plan to stop opponents from squatting on the quick-rhythm throws at quick and intermediate vary. With deep balls flying excessive of protection to Terry McLaurin, Zach Ertz, Austin Ekeler, and a group of unheralded go catchers have been capable of transfer the chains, snagging numerous “catch-and-run” ideas designed to maintain the offense on schedule.�

Given Kingsbury’s success remodeling Kyler Murray from a No. 1 total choose into the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Yr award following a marketing campaign the place he handed for 3,500-plus yards and added over 500 yards on the bottom, it isn’t shocking Daniels is the front-runner to win the distinguished honor this season after his scorching showcasing his dual-threat playmaking potential.�

After beginning 33 completely different quarterbacks since final successful the Tremendous Bowl after the 1991 season, together with eight over the previous 4 seasons, the Commanders lastly have a franchise quarterback in place with the expertise, composure and confidence to make the crew title contenders once more. Although the three-game pattern dimension shouldn’t be sufficient to make a daring proclamation about Daniels reaching elite standing by the top of Yr 1, the temporary flashes of brilliance recommend the Commanders’ new QB1 has all the traits wanted to assist Washington re-emerge as one of many heavyweights within the NFC.�

Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports activities. He additionally breaks down the sport for NFL Community and as a cohost of the “Shifting the Sticks” podcast. Observe him on Twitter@BuckyBrooks.