It was only a matter of time before Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels seized the starting position. While that hasn’t happened yet, Daniels has taken the majority of first-team reps over the past two days of practice.
Through the first week of training camp, veteran Marcus Mariota split first-team reps with Daniels, often going first in team sessions. While Daniels has outperformed Mariota, head coach Dan Quinn has refused to name him the starting quarterback.
Why? It’s all about Washington’s plan for Daniels, which they are sticking with.
“So, as we are going, when he is ready, we’ll know,” Quinn said last week. “When he’s ready, he’ll also know.”
Daniels does not mind, understanding he’s a rookie and wants to earn the job.
“No, I like competing; I’m a competitor,” Daniels answered. “So, regardless of if I was announced the starter or not, you still got to compete. You still can’t be content with your job, comfortable, think it’s just your job, and seal the deal. You got to go out there and compete.”
Could you even script a better answer?
Daniels has had a phenomenal training camp, while the Commanders have tried to downplay it to keep expectations in check. It’s too late. Daniels has rejuvenated Washington’s fan base. The hype is real.
It’s a good move to increase Daniels’ first-team reps ahead of next week’s joint practice with the New York Jets.
For once, it’s good to see the Commanders sticking with a plan.