Jayden Daniels is the man for the big moments. The Washington Commanders selected the gifted quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft to become a genuine difference-maker under center. The entire football world got the opportunity to witness this promising player on the primetime stage for the first time in Week 3.
The Commanders haven't tasked Daniels with too much to begin his professional journey. Kliff Kingsbury is keeping things simple, relying heavily on Washington's prolific rushing attack and allowing his signal-caller to ease into some significant responsibilities. That's kept mistakes to a minimum, but Monday Night Football at the Cincinnati Bengals represented a different challenge entirely.
This was labeled as a battle between two former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks out of LSU - Daniels and Joe Burrow. There were plenty of other factors in play, but the rookie is composed enough to take everything in his stride and treat this game like just another day at the office.
Even though it wasn't.
Jayden Daniels wowed in the first half against the Bengals
The Bengals might have started the season at 0-2, but taking them lightly was not an option. This is a team loaded with talent despite going through their customary early complications. The raised urgency was evident leading into the contest, so nothing but a big effort from Daniels and his teammates would do.
If the Commanders were looking for immediate inspiration from Daniels, they got it.
The Heisman Trophy winner responded well to the Bengals' early touchdown by leading his team downfield for a score. Things got even better as the half progressed, with the signal-caller finding Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin with a stunning deep ball in the second quarter for a 55-yard gain.
Daniels found the end-zone on his next play, keeping the ball to go in easily for six. This was a high-pressure situation with Cincinnati's back against the wall. For the first-year pro to perform so well was incredibly pleasing.
There are some things to work out. Daniels needs to trust his instincts a little better when players are open downfield. But Kliff Kingsbury is slowly releasing the shackles to allow the first-rounder a chance to showcase the immense skill set he brings to the table.
As rookie quarterbacks struggle to find their feet around the league, Daniels is flourishing. This composed effort formally announced him on the NFL stage and lends further weight to the notion Washington made the right call to bring him into the fold.
At long last, there is genuine hope.
