Jayden Daniels didn’t take long to introduce himself to the NFL. The Washington Commanders rookie quarterback is off to a sizzling start in his NFL career, completing 82% of his passes with seven touchdowns through four games. In addition, Daniels has the Commanders — who held the No. 2 pick in April’s NFL draft — at 3-1 and in first place in the NFC East.
Of course, Daniels has had help. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has done a phenomenal job of bringing Daniels along. While the skill positions have been excellent, the offensive line is much improved from a season ago.
But this is a quarterback league. When things go well, the quarterback gets all the credit. When things don’t go well, they get all the blame. However, there is no mistaking Daniels’ impact on the Commanders. Some are already calling him the best quarterback in an NFC East division with three high-paid veterans.
NFL.com revealed its QB Index for Week 5, and Daniels cracked the top 10 at No. 8.
A rookie doesn’t just luck into the best completion percentage (82.1) by any NFL player in a four-game span since at least 1950. Daniels is the real deal, operating an offense that gives him easy, quick reads, affords him the freedom to improvise when necessary and supports him with a better-than-expected offensive line and a running game that seems to be getting stronger with each week. Daniels was once again in complete command of the offense in Arizona, rifling passes through the defense, picking up positive gains with his legs and dominating with his exciting blend of arm talent, composure and athletic ability. He’s made the Commanders a fun watch, and he’s only just getting started.
Daniels deserves any and all recognition he’s currently receiving. The No. 2 overall pick is on pace to have an even better season than last year’s second overall pick, C.J. Stroud, which seemed improbable ahead of the season.
Can you imagine if Daniels leads the Commanders to an NFC East title as a rookie?