Commanders name rookie QB Jayden Daniels as starter

Field Level Media|published: Mon 19th August, 15:32 2024

Aug 17, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) drops back to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Commanders named rookie Jayden Daniels their starting quarterback for the season opener on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 8.

Last season's Heisman Trophy winner at LSU, Daniels was the No. 2 overall selection in the NFL Draft behind top overall selection, quarterback Caleb Williams of Southern California who went to the Chicago Bears.

Daniels completed 72.2 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and four interceptions last season at LSU. He also rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 scores in 12 games.

In two preseason games, Daniels was 12-of-15 passing for 123 yards. He also has 16 yards rushing on three attempts with a touchdown.

"I thought he had another really good outing," Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said after Daniels was 10-of-12 passing for 78 yards preseason game against the Dolphins on Saturday. "The accuracy, the decision-making of where to go. He really is a unique competitor."

Daniels, a Los Angeles-area native who began his college career at Arizona State, helped LSU to a 10-3 record last season but did not play in the Tigers' victory in the ReliaQuest Bowl as he prepared for the NFL Draft.

"I like competing; I'm a competitor," Daniels said. "Regardless of if I was announced the starter or not, you still gotta compete. You still can't be content (with) your job, (be) comfortable and think it's just your job and seal the deal. You gotta compete."

--Field Level Media