As the Washington Commanders prepare for their Week 4 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, all eyes are on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Coming off a record-breaking performance in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Daniels has quickly made his mark.
Daniels’ rise comes at a time when the Commanders have struggled for years to find a franchise quarterback. Washington’s turbulent quarterback history has seen multiple starters, including veterans like Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenam, and promising talents like Sam Howell and Colt McCoy. In just five seasons, wide receiver Terry McLaurin has caught passes from 11 different quarterbacks. Quinn made it clear that Daniels is not destined to carry the weight of that past.
His 91.3% completion rate not only eclipsed Dak Prescott’s 2016 rookie record but also solidified him as a rising star. However, Commanders’ head coach Dan Quinn is keen on protecting Daniels from one potential pitfall: the ‘Ghost of Franchise’s Past.’
“I don’t want Jayden seeing any ghosts,” Quinn said during a press conference. “There’s only one name on the back of that jersey, and it’s his. We’re focused on his growth and letting him be himself.”