Jayden Daniels unfazed by Commanders’ QB history, ready to compete for starting role

In the last four years, the Commanders have started eight quarterbacks. 

Jayden Daniels unfazed by Commanders’ QB history, ready to compete for starting role

Jayden Daniels drafted by the Commanders (Via The Boston Globe)

The Washington Commanders’ history with quarterbacks has been quite complicated, as one would say. Since 1991, the last time they won the Super Bowl trophy, the franchise has had 35 starting quarterbacks to date. If that doesn’t seem big, in the last four years, they have started eight QBs. 

With such instability in their offensive leading position, the Commanders have made the playoffs merely three times since that year. But when it came to realizing they had the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, there appeared to be a ray of hope. 

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Using that pick, they drafted LSU Tigers star quarterback Jayden Daniels in the first round, on Thursday. However, given the Commanders’ unfortunate luck with the starting quarterbacks, it puts a lot of pressure on Daniels to come through for the team. Though it appears the young quarterback is prepared for the challenge that ought to come his way. 

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I don't feel no pressure. I'm going to just come in and just be me.
While talking to the local media on Friday, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner said,

The Commanders appeared to be rebuilding themselves ever since Josh Harris became the new owner. Following a 4-13 season, the Commanders not only have a new head coach, Dan Quinn, but also a new general manager, Adam Peters. 

Jayden Daniels awaits his turn to start

Even though the Commanders have drafted Daniels, there might be some time before he hits the football field in the role of starting quarterback. While talking about the young quarterbacks, the Commanders’ GM said they had eyed the LSU star QB for a while ago but remained quiet about it. 

Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels (via IMAGO)
It is not a given I'm a starter Week 1. I got to earn it. I got to learn the playbook, earn the respect of my teammates, and go out there and try to win football games.
Said Daniels on the starting QB subject.

The Commanders’ head coach, Quinn, claimed he was impressed by Daniels after watching the film, calling him a “rare competitor.”

As for his role as the starting quarterback, Quinn gave no timeline; he merely claimed Daniels is ready, and that’s when the franchise would give him the robes. However, the timeline for Daniels to hit the field ought to come sooner rather than later.

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