Commander Country

Commanders will live or die by Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels holds the lifeline for the Washington Commanders this season.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels passes a ball during practice on day one of training camp.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels passes a ball during practice on day one of training camp. | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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Jayden Daniels will lead the Washington Commanders at quarterback for his second season, where he hopes to be better than he was in his rookie year.

It will be a tall task for Daniels to improve from his first season because he won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and led the Commanders all the way to the NFC Championship after winning just four games the year prior.

Bleacher Report writer Alex Ballentine named Daniels as Washington's biggest strength.

READ MORE: Commanders still close to top in latest NFL power rankings

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels stands on the field during practice
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels stands on the field during practice. | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Daniels can take Commanders to next level

"Jayden Daniels has single-handedly changed the outlook for the Commanders moving forward. They went from 25th to fifth in scoring offense last season and his dual-threat ability was the catalyst for the transformation," Ballentine wrote.

"Daniels led the team in rushing with 891 yards, but he also threw for over 3,500 yards with 25 touchdowns to only nine interceptions.

"Daniels got some help from his running back room as well. Brian Robinson wasn't a star, but he was a good short-yardage back with eight rushing touchdowns and Austin Ekeler worked as a reliable safety valve in the pass game."

Daniels is hoping to learn from the mistakes he made in his rookie season and correct those in his second year.

If Daniels is able to do that, it could be what gets the Commanders over the hump and into the Super Bowl.

Daniels and the Commanders are getting ready for their preseason opener against the New England Patriots on Aug. 8.

READ MORE: Commanders rookie running back earns praise from Dan Quinn

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

More Washington Commanders News

• Marshon Lattimore could make or break Commanders

 Commanders' Jayden Daniels tabbed for All-Pro season

• Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels gives perfect response to Terry McLaurin drama

• Commanders are suddenly a team everyone wants to join


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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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