Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels came into the NFL with plenty of hype and lived up to the expectations. In his rookie campaign, Daniels led the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game and racked up numerous honors along the way. The former Heisman Trophy winner from LSU was named Offensive NFL Rookie of the Year.
As he enters his second season with the Commanders and training camp is underway, Daniels is operating with a heightened sense of confidence and control, which is evident in his play and preparation.
“I would just say more so playing the situation game-like as game-like as possible,” Daniels told team media after a recent training camp practice. “First and second down, try not to take a sack if it’s not there, throw the ball away. Work on the second play. Never know. I might be lucky enough to break a sack one time and keep my eye downfield and let those guys work.”
Growth on the Field and in the Film Room
Daniels is focused on mastering the details and the situational football that separates good quarterbacks from great ones. That means knowing when to take chances, when to live for the next play, and how to read the defense before the ball is even snapped.
“Always just trying to make it as game-like as possible,” he added, a mindset that’s shown in his smooth decision-making and improved accuracy during early camp practices.
The quarterback credits much of his progress to the continuity in Washington’s revamped offense, under the guidance of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, and a full offseason of studying film and refining his mechanics. Daniels said he’s added “tools to the tool belt,” thanks to the help of offensive coaches like Bobby Johnson and Brian Johnson, which is allowing him to make quicker reads and adjustments.
“Most definitely a night and day difference,” he said. “Just being more comfortable on the offense. Another year under my belt, under the system and trying to understand what I understand, what Kliff is calling, what we want to accomplish as an offense.”
Commanding Respect as a Vocal Leader
While Daniels’ overall development has been noteworthy, his growth as a leader may be the most impactful shift. From Day 1 of camp, Daniels has stepped into the role of tone-setter for the offense. And he’s holding himself and his teammates to a high standard.
“Yeah, most definitely,” Daniels said when asked if his leadership had evolved. “I think it’s a standard that we set on the offensive side, and I’m the one that’s got to uphold the standard. That’s if guys are false-starting, the next guy up, stuff like that. Even for me, it’s like holding myself accountable.”
Daniels said he’s made it a priority to be more vocal, not just with teammates, but with coaches as well. Instead of letting plays pass by and hoping receivers pick up on his unspoken cues, he’s stepping in and communicating what he wants and what he sees on the field.
“For me, just really going out there and speaking,” Daniels said. “If I wanted a guy to run a certain route like this, have him go and tell him, this is what I see, or talk to Kliff, talk to Vita, talk to Brian, talk to Blough, people like that.”
That clarity is resonating. Coaches have praised Daniels for his maturity, and teammates have responded to his accountability-driven style. He’s quick to praise others, but also holds himself responsible when things go wrong. A leadership trait that’s hard to teach.
“Look to [TE] Zach [Ertz], I’ll look to guys like that to hold me accountable too,” he said. “That’s just holding leadership-wise, not letting nobody fall underneath the standard.”
Second-Year Leap in Full Motion
After a promising rookie season that saw flashes of brilliance, Daniels is beginning to look like a player ready to take the next step into the MVP stratosphere. His timing is sharper, his decision-making quicker, and his confidence noticeably stronger.
More importantly, Daniels now feels like the true leader of the offense. Not just in title, but in presence. He’s not trying to fit in anymore. He’s commanding the huddle, communicating with coaches, and pushing the offense to meet his standard.
As training camp progresses, it’s clear: Year 2 Daniels is a different player. And the Commanders are ready to follow his lead.
