Rook QB Daniels reveals promise in uneven debut

TAMPA, Fla. — Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels eluded the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ blitz plenty of occasions, displaying what he might do together with his legs. He took care of the ball and, regardless of the strain, did not flip it over as soon as. He stayed poised and affected person.

However he additionally overthrew vast receiver Terry McLaurin on a deep ball that might have resulted in a 70-yard landing on the primary play of the second half. And Daniels did not full any passes to a wideout for greater than 15 yards.

In different phrases, it was a combined debut for Daniels in Washington’s 37-20 loss. He threw for 184 yards — he had simply 46 at halftime — and ran for one more 88, however Washington’s offense didn’t pose sufficient of a menace versus the Bucs. Daniels ran for 2 touchdowns, each from a yard out.

“I assumed he received to completely specific all of the issues he has, utilizing his legs, being aggressive down the sector,” Washington coach Dan Quinn mentioned. “There are going to be loads of issues we need to enhance upon. However what I can let you know is we received one hell of a competitor in him. We’re simply getting began with him and the fellows.”

The Commanders (0-1) will host the New York Giants (0-1) in Week 2.

Washington’s roster featured solely 21 holdovers from the earlier teaching regime, with 10 on offense. However Daniels, a Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 2 choose in April’s draft, offered hope for a franchise that was beginning a brand new quarterback for the seventh consecutive yr. Daniels turned Washington’s eleventh beginning quarterback because the begin of the 2019 season.

His first toss almost resulted in catastrophe as he threw behind working again Brian Robinson Jr. on a swing move; it was dominated a backward move and, due to this fact, a fumble, which Washington in the end recovered. The Commanders’ wideouts mixed for seven catches and 55 yards.

However Daniels additionally had 4 runs of 10-plus yards to inject power into an offense that wants a lot.

“I grade myself laborious: We did not win. I am a competitor,” Daniels mentioned. “However total, it went fairly nicely. There was some stuff we left on the sector.

“[But] I am previous it tomorrow. We’re off to New York.”

Twice, that “stuff” was his helmet: It popped off two occasions, together with on an pointless roughness penalty on defensive again Antoine Winfield Jr., who hit Daniels within the helmet on the finish of a 12-yard scramble. His helmet additionally fell off on a run close to the purpose line on what would have been a landing had the play not been blown lifeless due to his headgear problem.

However Daniels wasn’t fretting over the variety of occasions he needed to run. Nor was he bothered by the Winfield hit. Regardless of all of the working performs, he was hardly ever hit laborious.

“Man, that is a query for the coaches,” Daniels mentioned when requested how he protected himself. “They have to find out that. I received down. I received what I might get. On the purpose line, I wasn’t going to go down for that. I’ve received to attain.”

Washington’s gamers exited with the identical emotions for Daniels that that they had coming into the sport. Regardless of the loss, they left impressed with numerous elements of his efficiency.

“His means to remain clam amidst adversity was nonetheless very sturdy,” guard Sam Cosmi mentioned. “I did not really feel any panic.”

“It was actually his poise within the pocket,” McLaurin mentioned. “There are occasions he is aware of he has to tuck and run. I do know it was rubbish time, however that is measuring follow see how guys compete. He was making an attempt to truck guys on the purpose line; he desires each yard. The most important factor that stood out is the way in which he communicates and has the upbeat mentality.”

And McLaurin mentioned the silver lining is that his teammates know Daniels is the current and way forward for the franchise.

“You don’t need your quarterback wanting over the shoulder,” McLaurin mentioned. “Generally previously, guys felt they needed to look over the shoulder. The one means he will get higher is these reside reps. He is performed nice in apply; he did nice within the joint practices [versus the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins]. It is completely different whenever you’re on the market within the sport. He places the time and work in. I do know he’ll make a greater soar subsequent week. I see him as a man persevering with to ascend.”