Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders participates in a drill during training camp at OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park on July 25, 2024 in Ashburn, Virginia. Credit: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is gearing up for his first NFL action in a preseason opener against the New York Jets. Although it’s just a preseason matchup, Daniels is eager to showcase his skills against another team.
“I’m very excited,” Daniels said Sunday. “I love playing, love to compete. Going out there will be a different challenge.”
Quinn Praises Daniels’ Decision-Making Skills
Head coach Dan Quinn announced that Daniels, the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft, will play in the preseason game. However, he hasn’t specified who will start or how much playing time Daniels will get. Recently, Daniels has been leading the full-team sessions, while veteran Marcus Mariota has also taken snaps with the starters in other drills.
“It’s the decision making that I’ve been really impressed by, not just throwing but playing the position, ‘this coverage goes to here, I got a matchup I want I go to here,'” Quinn said of Daniels. “There’s skill work and processing work. The processing part for him has been excellent.”
Training Camp Competition: Daniels vs. Mariota
Earlier in training camp, Mariota often led the 11-on-11 sessions, but Daniels has increasingly been working with the first team. His growth has been noted by several players and coaches, including veteran guard Nick Allegretti, who commended Daniels for not assuming the starting job would just be given to him.
“I’ve still got some ways to go,” Daniels said. “Just little stuff. It’s their decision and I trust them fully. For me, I just go out there and [think], how can I better myself every day? And compete hard.”
As for his goals for the game, Daniels wants to assess how well the offense executes and to minimize pre- and post-snap penalties. “It’s my first one ever. I don’t know what I’m getting myself into, so I’ll just go out there and have fun,” he said.
Challenging the Jets’ Strong Defense
The Commanders will practice at the Jets’ facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, on Thursday, giving Daniels his first taste of facing another NFL defense. The Jets had one of the top defenses last season, ranking third in yards allowed per game and second in passing yards allowed.
“Go out and see where I’m at, challenge myself, challenge their defense,” Daniels said. “Obviously it’s a very good secondary and very good defense. See where we stand.”
Quinn said he wants Daniels to play in part to experience game situations for the first time in the NFL.
“The games are important to go and play and get ready. And so not just with Jayden but with everybody,” Quinn said. “There’s a lot of important elements for a lot of guys.”
This report used information from ESPN.
