-
John Keim, ESPN Workers Author
ASHBURN, Va. — In simply 4 video games, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has set a number of NFL data and helped revive a long-struggling franchise. His No. 5 jersey has even turn out to be a high vendor.
However he does not see himself as something aside from a man getting into his fifth sport.
“I am nonetheless a rookie,” Daniels mentioned.
These 4 video games have helped Washington to a 3-1 begin — its greatest since 2011 — getting into Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Cleveland Browns (1-3).
Washington has not began 4-1 since 2008.
Daniels has already set the document for highest completion proportion after 4 video games of a season (82.1), and he has additionally turn out to be the primary quarterback to finish 85% or extra of his passes in two consecutive video games. He ranks fourth in quarterback ranking at 73.3 and in yards per try at 8.5. He has thrown for 897 yards, 3 touchdowns and only one interception whereas speeding for one more 215 yards and 4 scores.
He has turn out to be a scorching matter of dialog on a number of TV and radio reveals. Fanatics even introduced that Daniels’ jersey was its No. 1 vendor final week.
Daniels mentioned he is grateful to be on this place and impacting lives. However, whereas he is conscious of what persons are saying about him, he mentioned he isn’t letting it have an effect on him.
“As a result of I could possibly be enjoying good after which enjoying dangerous and folks can be considering the other,” Daniels mentioned. “It is staying level-headed.”
Within the spring, a reporter requested him about the advantages of being a “star” quarterback. Daniels shot that down, saying he hadn’t accomplished something but. When requested Wednesday whether or not he might a minimum of be known as a “star rookie,” Daniels made it clear he wasn’t inquisitive about labels.
“You may say no matter you need,” Daniels mentioned. “I am nonetheless a rookie in my eyes, so I let all people else do the speaking for me. I do not get caught up in that stuff. However man, it is only a blessing. Simply the preparation, clearly the group believing in me and we’re going on the market and competing each Sunday.”
Washington coach Dan Quinn mentioned he hasn’t nervous concerning the further consideration and early success altering Daniels’ method.
“All he has proven since he is been here’s a relentless method to getting higher and staying within the second,” Quinn mentioned. “He is acquired a outstanding level-headedness to him that is smart past his age. If I had considerations, I might’ve already addressed it. He’s a very simple man to help and being on this journey with him and beginning with it collectively, it is a actually cool factor that I get to be part of with him.”
Daniels has constructed a robust relationship with teammates, usually playfully jawing with linebacker Bobby Wagner about their respective basketball prowess, amongst different subjects. However they see what he has accomplished and the way he has dealt with the early fame.
“He is very poised, very mature, and he is available in and works and that is the most important factor, particularly if you find yourself younger,” Wagner mentioned. “Simply are available, do the work, make performs. The factor that is been essentially the most spectacular is with all of the success, with all of the nationwide consideration, he is been very humble and the work hasn’t modified, which is actually cool to see.”
