Commanders' Jayden Daniels Impresses in Preseason Loss to Dolphins: ‘Solid Command’

In the Washington Commanders' 13-6 preseason loss to the Miami Dolphins , rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels continued to show why he was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft . While the score may not have reflected it, Daniels' performance offered a glimpse into the potential future of the Commanders' offense.

Daniels started the game for the second consecutive week and showed significant growth from his previous outing. He completed 10 of his 12 pass attempts, accumulating 78 passing yards while also adding 13 rushing yards. While we didn't see a bunch of pop plays, his ability to maintain composure under pressure, even against a Miami defense that featured several starters, was a testament to his maturity and readiness to compete at the NFL level.

Despite the lack of explosive plays that had been seen during joint practices with the Dolphins, Daniels kept the offense in rhythm, moving the ball efficiently down the field. On both of his drives, he managed to get Washington into scoring position, showcasing his understanding of Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme. Daniels' performance was marked by precision and control, which are critical qualities for any quarterback, especially a rookie entering the league with high expectations.

"He was on the field more against Miami and showed a solid command of Kliff Kingsbury's offense and good poise against many of the Dolphins' starting defenders," Bleacher Report highlighted . This praise further solidifies the Commanders' confidence in Daniels as he continues to develop ahead of the regular season.

Related: Commanders Target O-Line Stability in Preseason Battle with Dolphins

As the preseason nears its conclusion, with only one game remaining against the New England Patriots, the Commanders have one final opportunity to assess Daniels' progression. His performances in the first two preseason games have undoubtedly given Washington a reason to feel optimistic about the future of their quarterback position. With his ability to keep the offense moving and his calm demeanor under pressure, Daniels is making a compelling case to be the leader this team needs as they head into the 2024 season.