In an astonishing display of talent and composure, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to a 38-33 upset victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Playing in the hostile environment of Cincinnati, Daniels showed why he was worth the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Daniels’ performance was nothing short of extraordinary. Completing 91% of his passes, he threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns, setting a new franchise record for completion rate. In fact, this completion percentage is the highest ever recorded by a rookie in NFL history. His efficiency didn't stop there; he also rushed for 39 yards and scored a touchdown on 12 carries.
The Commanders' offense, orchestrated by Daniels, capitalized on every possession, scoring on every drive except for kneel downs for the second consecutive game. His remarkable efficiency is a clear indication that he is defying the typical rookie learning curve.
Third Start, Big Impact
What makes Daniels' performance even more impressive is that this was just his third career start. Many rookies struggle to find their footing in the NFL, but Daniels is making a name for himself early on. The Commanders’ offensive unit has been performing efficiently under his leadership, which has not gone unnoticed across the league.
Even before the draft, there were signs that Daniels was a special talent. Antonio Pierce, who once coached Daniels at Arizona State, knew his potential. The Las Vegas Raiders recognized this too and were keen on drafting him. They even attempted to negotiate a trade with Washington for the No. 2 overall pick. However, the Commanders stood firm and selected Daniels, a decision that seems to be paying off handsomely.
Raiders' Regret
The draft didn’t go as planned for the Raiders, who had targeted Daniels. Instead, they saw six other quarterbacks selected before their turn came. They had to settle for adding veteran Gardner Minshew to compete with their young quarterback, Aidan O'Connell. However, Minshew didn’t last long as the starting quarterback, being benched in favor of O'Connell during a loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Davante Adams, one of the Raiders’ key players, expressed what many in the Raiders’ camp might be feeling. "He's a special player. We were hoping that maybe all the teams didn't think so and he could slip down to the Raiders a little while ago," Adams remarked, reflecting on what could have been.
Potential and Promise
Washington sees immense potential in Jayden Daniels. His early performances have justified the faith the organization placed in him. With each game, he proves that he is not just another rookie but a future star in the making. The league is keeping a close watch on his progress, eager to see how far this young quarterback can go.
As the season progresses, all eyes will continue to be on Daniels and the Washington Commanders. If his current form is any indication, the rookie quarterback is on track to achieve great things, reshaping expectations and rewriting records along the way.