Jayden Daniels, the second-overall pick in the 2024 draft, made his NFL debut today as the Washington Commanders suffered a 37-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the loss, Daniels completed 17-of-24 passes for 184 yards.

He showcased his mobility and dual-threat ability as he rushed for 88 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and scoring two rushing touchdowns.

Following his first career start, former Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III thinks that the Commanders have something special in Daniels. Griffin III, who was Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowler during his rookie year in 2012, thinks that Daniels’ attitude and humbleness will pay off in the long run, as he thinks he could be a good leader.

“Jayden Daniels will be special. Not because he was solid today and didn’t throw any interceptions. Not because he lead the team in rushing yards with 2 TDs in his debut. But because when he scored down 17 in the 4th, he didn’t celebrate. He only wants and cares about winning.”
Daniels scored both of his rushing touchdowns in the second half. His first rushing touchdown came in the last two minutes of the quarter, as he ran for a one-yard touchdown. His second rushing touchdown came when there was 1:12 left in the game, punching it in from a yard out again. The Bucs were able to hold them off for a 37-20 victory.

Despite the loss, Daniels had arguably the best start of the three rookie quarterbacks today. Denver Broncos rookie Bo Nix threw two interceptions, no touchdowns, and completed 26-of-42 passes for 138 yards. Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who was picked before Daniels, completed 14-of-29 passes for only 93 yards.

Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders will face the New York Giants in Week 2
Jayden Daniels during Washington Commanders v Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Source: Getty
Jayden Daniels during Washington Commanders v Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Source: Getty
Jayden Daniels will get his first taste of an NFC East divisional battle this Sunday. The Washington Commanders will host the New York Giants at 1:00 p.m.

Like the Commanders, the Giants suffered a Week 1 loss. They got blown out by the Minnesota Vikings 28-6 and were unable to score a touchdown. The Giants only gained 240 total yards and committed two turnovers on offense as quarterback Daniel Jones threw two interceptions.

Jayden Daniels and the Commanders will have a good chance at winning their first game of the season against a struggling Giants team, who played poorly against the Vikings in their season opener.

Who do you think will win next week between the Giants and the Commanders?

Was this article helpful?