Jayden Daniels impresses fans, honors his mom, in preseason debut

The second overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft couldn't have had a better warm-up session in preseason-opener vs. Jets.

Aug 10, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) warms up before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-USA TODAY Sports / Lucas Boland-USA TODAY Sports

Jayden Daniels, the quarterback the Washington Commanders selected second in the 2024 NFL draft, only needed one incompletion to warm up in his team's preseason opener vs. the Jets Saturday. After that, he showed clear evidence why he was taken so highly, and tasked with turning around the fortunes of the moribund Commanders franchise.

Daniels started the game, and after missing on a swing pass to Austin Ekeler, he connected with Dyami Brown on a 42-yard pass down the right sideline. Credit to Brown on the catch as well, but the pass was right on the money, placed in a great spot for Brown to make the play.

JAYDEN DANIELS GOING DEEP 🚀

(🎥 @Commanders) pic.twitter.com/tCHLnzY5jf

— PFF (@PFF) August 10, 2024

Daniels wasn't done, either. After completing a 3-yard pass to Terry McLaurin, the Commanders got inside the 5-yard line, and Daniels capped the drive off with a 3-yard touchdown run.

Jayden Daniels keeps it for the TD on his opening drive 🔥 @JayD__5

📱: Stream #WASvsNYJ on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/HbRsYFo9m6

— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024

With the requisite notice that preseason results do not ensure regular season success firmly in place, Daniels was able to put on display sharp accuracy and athleticism within his first few plays. There's a clear and obvious reason for optimism in Washington.

And he even gave the ball to his mom immediately after scoring.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels first drive in NFL:

•42 yard bomb
•marches down the field
•walks into end zone
•gives ball to his mom #HTTR pic.twitter.com/ODtbQ9qniK

— Rudy Gersten (@DCBarno) August 10, 2024

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