Barring a major injury, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award wrapped up before Week 10.
Daniels has broken numerous team and NFL rookie records through the first nine weeks of his rookie season, and he has the Commanders atop the NFC East with a 7-2 record. While Daniels hasn’t done it alone, he’s clearly helped turn Washington around from a perennial loser to one of the NFL’s best teams.
The No. 2 pick in April’s NFL draft is head and shoulders above the rest of his rookie class, especially the other quarterbacks, including the No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams.
NFL.com recently ranked the 2024 rookie class from 1-25. To no one’s surprise, Daniels topped the list.
Daniels’ dynamism is apparent, but his preternatural calm might be the secret sauce. He oozes a quiet confidence you can’t fake, backing it up with clutch play in big spots. In terms of total EPA (expected points added), here are Next Gen Stats’ top six quarterbacks on third/fourth down through Week 9:
- Patrick Mahomes: 38.5 EPA
- Jayden Daniels: 36.5
- Joe Burrow: 22.5
- Josh Allen: 22.4
- Kirk Cousins: 20.7
- Lamar Jackson: 14.5
That’s a hell of a list — and the rookie ranks No. 2. Which helps explain why he stays No. 1 here.
Yes, that’s an impressive list. Washington isn’t winning with smoke and mirrors. Daniels is making plays with his arm and his legs. The Commanders are excellent on third and perfect on fourth downs. Why? Because defenses fear Daniels.
While there are many things to celebrate in Washington, including new ownership, an elite GM and a top-notch coaching staff, Daniels stands above all. The Commanders now have hope and should be in excellent shape for the next 10-15 years.
