Jayden Daniels is significantly impacting the Washington Commanders and the competitiveness of the NFC East. With a convincing 42-14 victory over Arizona, the Commanders have moved to the top of the NFC East with a 3-1 record. Daniels has been leading an offense that is outperforming expectations, reminiscent of the legendary play of Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.
Washington’s offense has scored on an impressive 68 percent of their drives, marking the highest rate for any team in the opening four games since at least 2000, according to TruMedia. Notably, even Brady’s 2007 Patriots did not achieve such scoring efficiency at the start of their historic undefeated season.
Throughout this season, the Commanders have achieved at least 8.0 expected points added (EPA) in every game, a feat they had not accomplished in more than two consecutive games over the 387 regular-season games played from 2000 to 2023. Their current four-game streak is the second-longest in the league for any rookie starting quarterback since 2000, only behind Russell Wilson’s five-game streak in 2012.
Before the season began, five NFL executives predicted that Washington would finish in the middle of the NFC pack. However, one executive rated the Commanders much higher, believing in their potential due to several factors: skepticism about the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys, uncertainty with the Philadelphia Eagles, and the arrival of Heisman winner Daniels paired with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who is well-prepared to handle the rookie’s talents.
Despite a positive outlook, one executive categorized the NFC East as unpredictable, placing Washington slightly ahead of Philadelphia, Dallas, and the Giants. He emphasized Daniels’ ability to make a difference and the confidence instilled by new coach Dan Quinn but warned that it is still early in the season, and Daniels must prove his physical durability following some heavy hits he took in college.
Currently, Daniels holds the record for the highest completion percentage in league history through the first four games among quarterbacks with at least 75 attempts, completing 82 percent of his passes. This surpasses Brady’s 79.2 percent in 2007. Furthermore, he has successfully completed 71 percent of his passes for attempts at least 10 yards downfield, leading the league, while Brock Purdy is second with 66 percent.
As defenses adjust to the Commanders’ strategies, questions arise about their ability to adapt. The upcoming schedule may provide a challenge, as Washington will face teams like Cleveland, Baltimore, Chicago, and Pittsburgh, who are allowing an average of 18.5 points per game. The Commanders will not meet divisional rivals Philadelphia or Dallas, currently both at 2-2, until Week 11, with a crucial stretch of their final seven games against these two teams looming ahead.