“Rookie Revolution: How Jayden Daniels Transformed the Commanders and Shattered NFL Expectations”

Back in the spring, long before Jayden Daniels was officially named the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders, his veteran teammates, like tight end Zach Ertz and wide receiver Terry McLaurin, had a feeling the rookie would be special in the NFL.

By the end of training camp, they were convinced.

Ertz recalled telling everyone how good Daniels would be, noting that what set him apart was his work ethic and humility. Daniels’ performance this season has validated those expectations, helping turn the Commanders around from a dismal 4-13 record in 2023 to an impressive 14-5 record, including playoffs. Now, the team is set to play in its first NFC Championship Game since the 1991 season, with Daniels just one win away from potentially becoming the first rookie quarterback to start in a Super Bowl.

During the regular season, Daniels ranked fourth in QBR, only trailing MVP contenders Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow. In the postseason, he’s been even better, leading the Commanders to two road playoff upsets with a Total QBR of 86.8, 567 passing yards, four touchdowns, and 87 rushing yards. His ability to shine in big moments is the culmination of what he’s shown off the field—his attention to detail, leadership, and love for preparation have won over his teammates, coaches, and the entire organization.

McLaurin, who had played with 10 different quarterbacks in Washington before Daniels arrived, was especially impressed by the rookie’s eagerness to get extra practice reps and his desire to improve. His enthusiasm for Daniels was clear, as he described the young quarterback as “the real deal.”

Ertz made a bold comparison early on, likening Daniels to Andrew Luck, a former No. 1 overall pick and one of the most highly regarded quarterback prospects of his generation. Having played with Luck at Stanford, Ertz saw similarities between the two, noting how both had a gravitational pull that drew teammates to them. Daniels shared Luck’s unassuming nature and work ethic, always eager to learn and improve. Ertz was particularly struck by Daniels’ approach to the game, observing that the rookie wasn’t content to rely on trial and error but proactively sought to refine his process from day one.

Washington’s initial plan was to have Daniels earn the starting job by proving himself through preparation and performance during the offseason. As a result, veteran Marcus Mariota started off with the first team while Daniels worked with the second unit. But it didn’t take long for those around him to realize Daniels was destined to be QB1. By mid-August, Washington made it official, and Daniels was named the starter for the 2024 season.

His eagerness to learn was a constant theme during practices. Daniels frequently approached veterans like Ertz, McLaurin, and 11-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner, asking questions and absorbing as much knowledge as possible. Ertz, sensing Daniels’ eventual promotion, even began running drills with the second-team offense to build chemistry with the future franchise quarterback.

Offensive lineman Sam Cosmi, who signed a lucrative four-year extension just before the season began, cited Daniels as one of the reasons he was excited about his future with the Commanders. He, like many others in Washington’s locker room, saw something special in the young quarterback.

Daniels’ physical abilities were apparent right away—the way he threw the ball stood out immediately—but it was his intangibles, the qualities not everyone gets to see, that left a lasting impression on those around him. As Ertz put it, Daniels is a “special, special dude” who has the potential to change the trajectory of the Washington franchise.