Jayden Reveals Mindset Ahead Of Week 1

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is under no illusions as to what his first NFL season will be like.

The Heisman trophy winner and second-overall pick hasn't put a foot wrong this offseason. He put an exclamation mark on his development in Washington's preseason games as he excelled running Kliff Kingsbury's offense.

But that was preseason; the "real" stuff begins in roughly two weeks. So, will Jayden's approach change now that the next time he's on the field, he will be playing for keeps?

“It's kind of the same approach, try to get better each and every day,” Daniels said . “It's not going to be a finished product week one, but just try to get better and go out there and go through some growing pains. Everybody knows you're a rookie, you're not going to have everything perfect, you can strive for perfection, but it's not going to be perfect, it's going to be ups and downs and just go from there.”

Daniels knows that it won't all be smooth sailing, and it is a rookie's right of passage to experience the ups and downs as they learn NFL football.

Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, like C.J. Stroud, Dak Prescott, and Andrew Luck, but the Commanders won't suddenly go from a four-win team last year to double-digit wins in 2024 (they might, but unlikely).

Given the many changes that have taken place both on and off the field, the season will be one of development for Daniels and the roster.

Related: What Does John Ridgeway Trade Mean For Washington?

Some are bullish on Washington, others think it might be another tough season, but the foundations are being laid for the future.

It might not be easy, and it might not look the best, but Daniels' being so self-aware of what is about to come his way shows the mindset of the Commanders' starting quarterback.

But it's one thing to say you're prepared for it, we'll see how Daniels fares when/if things do start going south.