Jayden Daniels is the Washington Commanders version of a miracle.
If one play this season and perhaps his early career has signified that, it is the Hail Mary game-winner against Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears in the Week 8 stunner in front of the home crowd in D.C. A team that has been in search of a franchise QB for seemingly a decade seems to have it in the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
In a rookie season in which he has already thrown for over 1700 yards and rushed for over 424 yards, Daniels is not only displaying why he was the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, he is signifying what it means to be a young, successful quarterback in this league. Natural leadership on and off the field, an ability to produce as a dual-threat QB and toughness.
The most fascinating part of Sunday’s thrilling win over the Bears was Daniels playing through a rib injury. He wasn’t as efficient as his previous outings, but that toughness is what has him in the top 10 in the Week 9 NFL QB Index. Ironically, ranked right behind the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, C.J. Stroud.
In the Week 9 NFL QB Index, NFL.com’s Nick Shook writes:
“Daniels played through a rib injury in Week 8, yet he still managed to rack up over 300 passing yards and throw the Hail Mary nobody will forget for decades. Statistically, it was another Daniels game, with the quarterback flirting with 400 scrimmage yards, but Chicago's defense presented a challenge that truly showed itself on third down (Washington finished 5 for 15). It wasn't the same romp Daniels has keyed in most weeks for the Commanders, but once again, he proved he's not your typical rookie.”
No, Daniels is not your typical rookie. He may just be leading the pack of a 2024 NFL Draft QB class that might go down as a non-typical quarterback class with Caleb Williams, Bo Nix and Drake Maye also having impressive moments in their rookie seasons.
So, let’s talk about Bo Nix
The fourth quarterback taken in the 2024 NFL Draft is leading the team with the second-best record of the top quarterbacks taken. With the Denver Broncos sitting at 5-3 on the season, the selection of Nix with the No. 12 overall pick in the draft has Sean Payton looking like a genius.
It took a few games, but Nix is proving exactly why he was the right pick and right fit for the Broncos. He’s doing it with his accuracy throwing the ball and with his legs as Nix has surprised with his ability to scramble. Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for October, Nix has the Broncos flying high in the Mile High City. His impressive play over the last month also has future Hall-of-Fame coach Bill Belichick singing his praises.
“As (Bo) Nix is getting a little bit more confident and a little more consistency and familiarity with Coach Payton’s system, they’re doing a good job,” Belichick said during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. “As I said at the beginning of the year, they won’t be enough to catch the (Kansas City) Chiefs this year, but it certainly looks like they’re gaining in the division.”
When it comes to how rookie quarterbacks should be handled in the NFL, both Daniels and Nix are and will be prime examples of what works and how to slowly unleash their talent. That is also something Williams is doing with the Bears and what Maye is showing signs of in New England. This could turn out to be some draft class when all is said and done.