Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has played five NFL regular season games and he’s been nominated for each one as the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week, winning the award in Weeks 1, 3 and 4 for his play against the Buccaneers, Bengals and Cardinals on the road.
This week, he has been nominated for his outstanding play at home against the NFC North Cleveland Browns.
To cast your vote for Jayden Daniels again this week, CLICK HERE.
By the way, unlike political elections, you are not limited in the number of times you can vote, so feel free to press that “Vote Again” button repeatedly.
Who should be the @pepsi Rookie of the Week?
Vote now ➡️ https://t.co/aSx1vIATxP pic.twitter.com/E1YqYMX7WI
— NFL (@NFL) October 8, 2024
While Jayden Daniels’ stats against the Browns are slightly less eye-popping than in previous weeks, it’s relevant to note that he played only 3 quarters of football. With the score at 34-6 at the end of three quarters of play, Dan Quinn decided to let the rookie watch from the sideline as veteran Marcus Mariota knocked off a bit of rust against a worn-out Cleveland defense.
Jayden Daniels’ 320 combined yards were the most by a Commanders rookie quarterback since RG3’s 348-yard debut in 2012 and, after a rocky start on the first two series, the Commanders scored on five of their final six possessions of the first half.
In his 45 minutes of play, Daniels led the all players on both teams in rushing yards, picking up 82 yards on 11 carries (7.5 ypa).
4th and 3 at the 40?
How about a 30 yard scramble by your Quarterback?!
Just Jayden Daniels things!#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/J0oilQFEoE
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 6, 2024
He also passed for 238 yards, with 1 beautiful touchdown pass of 41-yards to Dyami Brown, and 1 disappointing red zone interception on the second drive of the game.
TOUCHDOWN
DYAMI BROWN DEEP TO END THE SECOND HALF AND THE COMMANDERS ARE ROLLING.
THIS LOOKED SO EASY FOR JAYDEN DANIELS.
I AM VERY HAPPY.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/hAcuXAfjnL
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 6, 2024
Jayden Daniels intercepted in the redzone and that’s the first redzone possession Washington has not scored on in season 2024. pic.twitter.com/02esUYTQKk
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 6, 2024
Daniels could have easily had a second passing touchdown, but Terry McLaurin was unable to hold onto a ball on the left side of the end zone despite it coming in over his right shoulder and hitting him in stride.
A very rare drop from Terry McLaurin.
And even then, it was ALMOST a mid-catch recovery.
So close.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/Xut9n6NxTe
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 6, 2024
In addition to the 41-yard score to Brown, Terry McLaurin did catch another beauty from Daniels that went for a 66-yard gain on a pass that traveled roughly 50 yards beyond the line of scrimmage after Jayden scrambled to his right when under pressure.
ELECTRIC
Daniels escapes pressure and hits McLaurin deep for 65 yards!
You cannot stop this man!#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/Kd6iMxaHDG
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 6, 2024
Austin Ekeler’s catch and run of 33 yards was good for only the 3rd-longest pass completion of the day.
3rd and 12?
No problem.
Textbook screen pass and incredible blocking sees Ekeler pick up approximately 5000 yards of YAC.
Gorgeous.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/vX73tBg11i
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 6, 2024
After five weeks, the Commanders have the highest scoring offense in the league, having put up 155 points (31 points per game). The next highest scoring team is the Ravens at 147 points; since Washington and Baltimore play each other this Sunday, fans can probably look forward to a high-scoring affair, unless the Commanders defense can step up against the Ravens like they did against the Browns.
For my entire adult life, I’ve never spoke about this team in this way.
And it’s fun. @gmfb pic.twitter.com/JBjzWl3TvO
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) September 30, 2024
Kyle Brandt: We need people to see Jayden Daniels; he is the best thing going right now – the coolest, most fun, most astonishing thing. The best show, right now! It’s not the Vikings; it’s not the Chiefs – it is the Commanders offense, and the Commanders as a whole, and I have never said that in my life.
Daniels’ outstanding play through 5 weeks has helped the Commanders to grab and hold onto sole possession of first-place in the NFC East after a month of play.
To cast your vote for Jayden Daniels again this week, CLICK HERE.
By the way, unlike political elections, you are not limited in the number of times you can vote, so feel free to press that “Vote Again” button repeatedly.