Commander Country

One trait makes Commanders' Jayden Daniels elite

Jayden Daniels could become one of the top quarterbacks in the league if the Washington Commanders allow him to continue one part of his game.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels records a social media video.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels records a social media video. | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels had an impressive rookie season.

The Offensive Rookie of the Year threw for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Pro Football Focus writer Nick Akridge praised Daniels for his ability to make the correct throws at the right time.

READ MORE: NFL Top 100 nod highlights Commanders' rise behind veteran leadership

Jayden Daniels on the red carpet before Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre
Jayden Daniels on the red carpet before Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Daniels makes right throws for Commanders

"Another concern about Daniels coming out of college was his hesitancy to attack the middle of the field. That narrative didn’t last long. As a rookie, Daniels routinely made high-level, anticipatory throws over the middle—tight-window passes that few quarterbacks in the league are willing, or able, to attempt," Akridge wrote.

"When Daniels was in rhythm attacking the middle of the field, he ranked third in completions and earned an 84.9 passing grade, the 10th-best in the NFL.

"Success between the numbers is often a litmus test for how well a quarterback processes defenses and sees the field. These throws demand anticipation and precise timing, traits that separate the elite from the rest. In his rookie season, Daniels already showed he belongs in that conversation."

A huge part of being a quarterback in the NFL is being capable of leading an offense, but it's another to make the right decisions with several 250-pound and 300-pound men chasing after you.

Daniels made it look extremely easy in his rookie season and the scary part is that he still has so much room for growth.

Daniels and the Commanders are just days away from reporting for training camp.


READ MORE: Shaq threatens to punch former Commanders’ QB over Angel Reese comments

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

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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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