It’s official: Rookie Jayden Daniels will be the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders in the season opener.
Coach Dan Quinn announced the long-expected decision Monday at the team’s Ashburn training facility.
“It’s a blessing that [Quinn] and [general manager Adam Peters] trust me to go out there and lead the team, lead the franchise, to hopefully win some games,” Daniels told reporters. “It’s something I dreamt about as a kid, but to experience this moment, there’s nothing I can say.”
The No. 2 pick in this year’s NFL draft has impressed coaches during offseason workouts, training camps and his preseason debut.
“He went through the whole thing. He didn’t miss a beat. He hit the targets we had put in front of him,” Quinn said. “He’s ready and he’s earned the right to [start.]“
When the Commanders opened training camp last month, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner split the starting reps with journeyman signal-caller Marcus Mariota.
But Daniels, 23, took more and more first-team snaps as camp continued.
“Everything in life, you’ve got to earn it, nothing is given,” Daniels said. “What they preach here, they hold true to that.”
The rookie started Washington’s first two preseason games, completing 10 of 12 pass attempts for 78 yards. The on-field accuracy and mobility have landed him on some early highlight reels, but Washington’s coach gushed about his quarterback’s off-the-field habits.
“This is a rare competitor. Those are the things that I knew about him, but seeing it in your own building, on your own team, around new teammates, that was cool to see,” Quinn said. “He’s just had a remarkable start to things here.”
Despite the expectations associated with being the starting quarterback, Quinn said Daniels doesn’t have to work miracles, he just needs to focus on his game.
“You don’t have to put the cape on and carry the team,” Quinn told Daniels. “All I want you to focus on is playing quarterback to the very best of your ability and being the absolute best teammate you can be.”
The LSU product earned rave reviews over the summer for his work ethic. He was often the first player in the building, and those early starts inspired rookie wide receiver Luke McCaffrey to join him before the sun came up.
“He’s just an energy inducer right in every single way,” McCaffrey told the Commanders’ YouTube channel in June. “He gives you energy and gets you excited to play.”
That energy injection caught Quinn’s eye early on.
“Jayden Daniels is an absolutely fantastic teammate. Because he cares, he puts the work in, he gives support to others,” Quinn said.
Quinn would not say whether Daniels would play in Sunday’s preseason finale against the New England Patriots. NFL franchises typically rest their starters, especially quarterbacks, in the final preseason game.
Daniels will make his regular-season debut on Sept. 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Washington’s prized passer won’t be the only rookie signal-caller taking snaps in Week 1. The top pick in this year’s draft, former USC quarterback Caleb Williams, will start for the Chicago Bears.
Williams was named Chicago’s QB1 in the spring and cemented his spot with skillful preseason performances.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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