What type of season will Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels have in 2024? The rookie quarterback is coming off a record-breaking 2023 season at LSU, where he passed for almost 4,000 yards, rushed for over 1,110 yards and accounted for 50 touchdowns.
No one expects that type of production from Daniels in his inaugural NFL season. Could Daniels replicate the success of last season’s No. 2 overall pick — C.J. Stroud — in 2024?
There are several parallels that you can make between Stroud and Daniels, but assuming any rookie quarterback can make that type of impact again is almost impossible to predict.
Daniels has already impressed the Commanders, from his coaches to his teammates. His work ethic, including arriving before 6:00 a.m. daily throughout the offseason program and getting work in before practice even started, has impressed them.
But what are Daniels’ goals for his rookie season?
“Win as many games as possible and have fun while doing it. Try to shift the culture. Go out there and have fun and compete,” Daniels told Tyler Dragon of USA TODAY. “Try to help my team win the division; that’s the main goal.”
Those are the right answers. It’s interesting that Daniels mentions culture. As much as the former coaching staff talked about culture, the new regime, led by coach Dan Quinn, is changing it.
Daniels is excited about training camp and discussed lessons he’s learned from veteran leaders, like quarterback Marcus Mariota and future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner.
“Really, just learning everything. The ins and outs of the NFL,” Daniels said. “You’re guaranteed 17 games, so being able to experience how to take care of your body mentally, physically and spiritually stuff like that.”
Washington fans eagerly anticipate training camp. While there is always excitement around this time of the year for NFL fans, it’s different in Washington in 2024. Daniels is a major factor in that excitement.