Jayden Daniels, the Washington Commanders' highly anticipated No. 2 overall pick, made an electrifying first impression in his preseason debut against the New York Jets, leaving fans and teammates buzzing with excitement.
Daniels’ first attempt may have sailed high, missing Austin Ekeler on a screen pass, but the rookie quickly settled into a rhythm that belied his inexperience. On a crucial third-and-6, he orchestrated a play that showcased not just his arm but also his football IQ. With the pocket holding strong, Daniels coolly surveyed the field, faked out the safety, and unleashed a beautiful 42-yard strike to Dyami Brown. The crowd had no idea that the impressive play wasn’t just a stroke of luck—it was the result of a savvy audible Daniels called at the line, a decision that had the Commanders' sideline buzzing.
“He made a check mid-play,” said offensive lineman Sam Cosmi during the game broadcast. “It turned out to be a big gain... We were all on the sidelines just saying, ‘Dang, that was really fun.’ We’ve got a dude back there.”
Despite the excitement, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn admitted that Daniels had gone rogue with the play change. Drawing a comparison to the iconic film Top Gun, Quinn quipped, “He didn’t ask for permission; he just buzzed the tower anyway. But hey, it worked. It was a cool play.”
Daniels’ poise extended beyond that one pass. He later hit Terry McLaurin for a short gain and then, on third-and-goal, flashed his dual-threat capability by taking a zone read to the house, walking in untouched for his first NFL touchdown.
The rookie’s debut ended after that singular drive, but his 2-of-3 passing for 45 yards and a rushing touchdown was more than enough to leave a lasting impression. Even though it was just one drive in a preseason game against a Jets team resting many starters, Daniels provided a tantalizing glimpse of the talent that made him a top draft pick.
As Washington fans relish this promising start, it’s clear that the excitement around Daniels is more than justified—he’s already showing the leadership, playmaking, and moxie that could make him a franchise cornerstone for years to come.
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