Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels did his best Tom Cruise impression during his preseason debut on Saturday against the Jets, Commanders coach Dan Quinn said.
The 2023 Heisman Trophy Winner audibled from a screen to an “all-go” look without his coach’s permission on his first NFL drive.
The shift resulted in a 42-yard completion to wide receiver Dyami Brown down the right sideline. Jets cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse provided tight coverage, but Daniels’ pass was perfectly placed and hit his receiver in stride.
The rookie signal-caller flashed a cheeky smile to the sideline as he jogged up the field.
“I thought of ‘Top Gun,’” Quinn said, referencing a scene where Cruise’s Maverick character buzzes an air control tower without clearance. “He wanted to ask for forgiveness and not permission, and then throw an absolute dime over the top to Dyami. It was a really cool play; I think it probably illustrates for him the awareness in the checks and the things that go into it.”
Washington ultimately lost the preseason opener, 20-17, but Quinn said he was encouraged by his team’s trip to New Jersey.
“Like most things, [there’s] lots to learn from a game like this,” he said. “Lots of film to watch, guys to evaluate and look at.”
The Commanders capped their first drive, a methodical march down the field, with a rushing touchdown by Daniels. The LSU product glided into the endzone thanks to a pair of edge-sealing blocks from tight ends John Bates and Cole Turner.
“I feel like it just gives everybody confidence moving forward. Obviously, not just me, but being able to connect with Dyami down the field. I know that gave him confidence,” Daniels said of the successful first drive. “Just seeing those little steps that we need to take in order to be successful and execute at a high level.”
Daniels successfully checked his preseason debut off of his to-do list and returned to the bench after the first drive. Next up for Washington’s potential franchise quarterback? Prying his touchdown ball away from his mother.
“Obviously, she was very excited, and I was happy just to be able to get my first touchdown and just throw it to her,” he said. “I know she’s happy. I’ve got to fight her to get the ball back now.”
Daniels finished 2-of-3 passing with 45 yards and a three-yard rushing touchdown during his lone offensive possession. The reigning Heisman Trophy winners showed the speed and arm talent that made him the No. 2 pick in this year’s NFL draft.
“Jayden, I thought just had a real command of things. …” Quinn said. “A great first day.”
The rookie quarterback managed to shine behind a depleted offensive line.
Rookie left tackle and projected starter Brandon Coleman missed the game and the last week of practice with a pectoral injury. Quinn said the rookie is “in the day-to-day, week-to-week” spot.
Fellow tackles Andrew Wylie and Cornelius Lucas were also held out of Saturday’s game, leaving Washington’s quarterbacks to rely on an untested offensive line.
“Not having those guys, it makes it hard to start obviously,” Quinn said. “It does though provide some opportunities for some extra looks at some people.”
Washington’s coach highlighted several linemen on the roster bubble, including guard Chris Paul, tackle Trent Scott and center Michael Dieter.
Tackle Braeden Daniels, a 2023 fourth-round draft pick, stood out on Saturday. The Utah product missed last season with a torn rotator cuff, but he was a solid anchor in pass protection and flashed athleticism on run plays.
Despite the concerns about offensive line depth, the group allowed just one sack against a stout New York pass rush.
Most importantly for the franchise’s future, Daniels was kept upright and unharmed during his limited playing time.
“They give me enough time to get the ball off,” Daniels said of the offensive line. “So, I wasn’t really focused on anything upfront. I’ve got to go back and watch the film but our line did their job.”
The Commanders return to Ashburn on Monday before hitting the road again for a joint practice and preseason game in Miami against the Dolphins.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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