Jayden Daniels (unofficially) named QB1 ahead of first preseason game

ASHBURN, V.A. – With the NFL preseason games set to begin this week, the Washington Commanders have released their unofficial depth chart and rookie Jayden Daniels has been unofficially named the Commanders’ starting quarterback.

Despite Coach Dan Quinn’s emphasis on competition and reluctance to officially name a Week 1 starter, Daniels has taken the majority of first-team reps. Marcus Mariota is listed as the backup quarterback, with Daniels set to start the preseason opener against the New York Jets this Saturday.

Rookie offensive lineman Brandon Coleman has unofficially been named the starting left tackle, surpassing veteran Cornelius Lucas. Drafted in the third round out of TCU, Coleman impressed the coaching staff with his athleticism and balance, earning that starting position in the first preseason game.

Coordinators speak to the media

Following Tuesday’s practice, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury spoke to the media in anticipation of the preseason opener.

Whitt Jr. said he sees a solid foundation in the defense and is urging them to make big plays.

“The one thing that I would like to see a little bit more of is, is ball production. We got a couple balls out today, punched one out, we intercepted one. But the ball is life and we need more of it, that’s one area that we can improve.”

Kingsbury is confident in listing Daniels as QB1, citing the consistency of work coupled with natural talent.

“He’s the first one to say my bad, even if it’s not as bad, which is once again a special trait for a quarterback to have that. It’s early August, our first game’s not until September, but everything that he’s got thus far in camp is cause he’s earned it through work ethic and then executing it at a high level on the field.”

Washington Legends attend camp

Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs stopped into camp on Tuesday to the delight of longtime Washington fans.

Gibbs spoke with media and fans at the OrthoVirginia Training Center along with Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green.

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