TAMPA, Fla. — Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels eluded the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ‘ blitz a number of times, showing what he could do with his legs. He took care of the ball and, despite the pressure, didn’t turn it over once. He stayed poised and patient.
But he also overthrew wide receiver Terry McLaurin on a deep ball that could have resulted in a 70-yard touchdown on the first play of the second half. And Daniels didn’t complete any passes to a wideout for more than 15 yards.
In other words, it was a mixed debut for Daniels in Washington’s 37-20 loss . He threw for 184 yards — he had just 46 at halftime — and ran for another 88, but Washington’s offense did not pose enough of a threat versus the Bucs. Daniels ran for two touchdowns, both from a yard out.
“I thought he got to fully express all the things he has, using his legs, being aggressive down the field,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said. “There are going to be a lot of things we want to improve upon. But what I can tell you is we got one hell of a competitor in him. We’re just getting started with him and the guys.”