Commanders QB Jayden Daniels - Emilee Fails/Washington Commanders
Who would have thought that the Washington Commanders would be leading the NFC East division at (5-2) heading into week 8 of the NFL? That hasn’t happened since 2008.
It’s mainly due to the outstanding play of Rookie QB Jayden Daniels. The number two overall pick is a generational talent at the game’s most important position.
How Special Can Rookie QB Jayden Daniels Be?
Daniels has been a blessing so far for this Commanders’ Team, which is looking to make the Super Bowl.
The former ASU and LSU signal caller was a star in college, which led this incredible organization to draft him number 2 overall in 2024.
While leading the team to an impressive (5-2) start, he leads the league with a 75.6 completion percentage and has thrown for 1,410 yards with his powerful, strong arm.
Daniels has also tossed six touchdowns and two interceptions.
The former Heisman Trophy winner is also a weapon with his legs. He has rushed for 372 yards and four touchdowns and is basically a running back who can sling the football.
Daniels also has toted the rock 66 times, which is impressive even in a dual-threat quarterback’s league.
Additionally, he is the first player in NFL history to surpass 1,000 yards passing and 250 rushing yards in his first five NFL starts.
Injury and Long-Term Effects
The good vibes and stats seemed to come to a halt this past Sunday in Week 7 of the NFL.
The Washington Commanders were playing the Carolina Panthers when Daniels left the game early in the first quarter with a rib injury.
A scary moment occurred early in the first quarter, sending silence through Northwest Stadium.
Daniels injured his ribs, which knocked him out of the game. While the Commanders still blew the Panthers out 40-7, rib injuries are a pain to deal with.
It is not yet determined whether Daniels will play against the Chicago Bears next weekend, but head coach Dan Quinn is all in on keeping him rested and fresh for the extensive stretch of the season.
“He’s such a unique player that I want to make sure he can be him fully in his own way,” Quinn said of Daniels, “I know he’ll do everything he can, but I’ll trust my eyes. Like I said, we’ll take it every step of the way.”
The head coach also said that it is only a short-term injury, and that Washington hopes Daniels is active this week.
“We’ll take him through all the steps at practice and assess how he’s doing and keep working it through that,” Quinn explained. “We’re hopeful he can play, but we’ll also make sure to take every precautionary step and do it smartly for the player and the man.”
It’s good that the coaching staff is taking the necessary measures to help Daniels recover. This gives the talented quarterback more time to heal and use his VR system without stopping his training all at once.
VR Training
This latest technology has been credited with Daniels’ rapid development as a quality passer and runner.
It was produced by Cognilize. The German company that produced Cognilize for topflight soccer players.
He is a big proponent of the Commanders’ backing this app, as he also used it back in 2023 at LSU when he won the Heisman Trophy.
In addition, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, himself a former quarterback from Texas Tech, gives his thumbs up on how realistic it feels.
“The first time I put (the VR headset) on, I backed into the wall,” Kingsbury told NYT. “It felt like the (pass) rush was coming.”
This app allows athletes like Daniels to do mental reps, which results in lower body wear and tear, and run these reps at a pace-breaking speed.
Daniels quoted on the ‘All Facts No Brakes’ show with Keyshawn Johnson back in May:
“They load in the stadium you’re playing in, and it looks exactly like the stadium. And it’s moving faster than a human being would be moving. I’ll get in there, and say, they’ll probably give me 7 seconds to know the play. Pre-snap, I get to see the coverage and know where I’m going with the football, all before the play clock runs out.” That, and Kinsbury’s voice directs the VR sessions, giving Daniels real insight into virtual plays.
Daniels uses the VR headset every morning and considers it a “flight simulator” for quarterbacks.
Background
Before becoming a rising star in the NFL, Daniels attended Cajon High School in San Bernadino, California, from 2015 to 2019.
He set records for touchdowns with (211) and threw for 17,642 yards.
His performance earned him the title of 4-star recruit, and he received 25 college offers before committing to Arizona State.
ASU Career
Daniels was named the starter for his true freshman season week 1, becoming the first in school history to do so.
He led the Sun Devils to a respectable (8-5) season and a Las Vegas Bowl berth.
After the 2021 season, in which he initially intended to return to Arizona State, Daniels alienated the student body by saying he would enter the transfer portal.
Daniels finished at Louisiana State University in 2022, which was a better decision for his draft stock and the team.
LSU Career
His best year came in 2023 when he threw for 40 touchdowns and four interceptions at LSU.
He then won the 2023 Heisman Trophy for being the year’s best college football player.
After that season, Daniels declared for the 2024 NFL draft.
He was selected number two overall for the Washington Commanders behind number one overall pick Caleb Williams, who went to the Chicago Bears.
Conclusion
Daniels is now having a career year in a perfect environment for the rookie quarterback.
One minor injury for the 23-year-old will not derail him as a player or a team leader. He will still thrive once he returns to leading his team.
Who knows? If the underrated quarterback keeps playing the way he has the first seven weeks of the season, the Washington Commanders could easily win the NFC East division.
Heck, they may even have found their franchise quarterback without even trying.
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