Former NFL LB makes bold take on C.J. Stroud vs. Jayden Daniels’ rookie seasons

So, who had a better rookie season between Jayden Daniels and C.J. Stroud? One person thinks its clearly the 2024 No. 2 overall pick.

C.J. Stroud’s breakout rookie season for the Houston Texans will go down as one of the greatest seasons in franchise history.

The same must be said for Jayden Daniels as he closes the chapter on Year 1 with the Washington Commanders.

But which former No. 2 overall pick had the better first season when looking back at the year?

If you ask former All-Pro linebacker Teddy Bruschi for an opinion, he’s rocking with the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner and face of D.C. Football.

The ESPN analyst claimed that while Stroud’s heroics ended a four-year playoff drought in Houston, Daniels’ overall numbers are more impressive for Washington entering the postseason.

“C.J. Stroud had a great year last year,” Bruschi said on ESPN’s NFL Countdown. “He won Offensive Rookie of the Year last season. This [Jayden Daniels] blows that season away in my mind.”

While Bruschi’s take is bold, it might not be entirely wrong. And it’s not based on records or accolades for either team, but rather on individual stats between the passers and their inconsistencies.

Daniels closed out the 2024 calendar year with a three-touchdown performance against the Atlanta Falcons, including the game-winning pass in overtime to secure a playoff berth for the first time since 2020.

He also became the second quarterback in NFL history with 5+ passing touchdowns, 250+ passing yards and 75+ rushing yards in a game for his performance in a comeback win against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17.

If that’s not enough, Daniels also became the first rookie in NFL history with multiple game-winning passing touchdowns in the final 30 seconds of a game.

Stroud, who led the NFL with a 23:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2023, only accomplished that feat once, dating back to Week 9’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In 16 games, Daniels has completed 69.4% of his passes for 3,530 yards with 25 touchdowns to nine interceptions for a 101.3 passer rating. He also has 864 rushing yards and six scores, thus bringing his total to 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns.

In 15 games, Stroud completed 63.9% of his passes for 4,108 yards with 23 touchdowns to five interceptions and a 110.8 rating. He also became the first quarterback to throw three touchdown passes in the first half of their first playoff game in a win over the Cleveland Browns.

What could separate the two is overall talent. Daniels’ impact has guided a semi-average roster to a potential 12-win season and a five-game winning streak to close out 2024.

Washington’s also missing a secondary receiver, unlike the Texans in 2023 behind Tank Dell and Nico Collins.

“I see Jayden and I’m like, ‘This guy is going to be a problem for the next decade,'” Bruschi said. “I truly believe that because of what the pressure does to him and how tough he is to get to.

“He’s not just a passer. He does so much more.”

Fans on both sides of the fence will complain until they see the two take the field. One can only hope that instance becomes a reality within the next few years.

Perhaps this season in New Orleans?