Jayden Daniels and Robert Griffin III share remarkable parallels in their NFL careers, especially their impressive rookie seasons. Both players captured the prestigious Heisman Trophy, were selected as the second overall pick by the Washington Commanders, and quickly made a significant impact in the league during their inaugural years.
However, the Commanders are optimistic that Daniels’ professional journey will unfold more favorably than Griffin III’s, which was marred by injuries leading to an early exit from Washington after just three seasons as a starter.
In their rookie campaigns, both quarterbacks showcased their dual-threat capabilities. Griffin III made headlines in 2012, earning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award with exceptional stats that included 3,200 passing yards and a prominent rushing record of 815 yards — the best among quarterbacks that season. He maintained a solid completion percentage and showcased his playmaking skills on the ground, finishing the year with seven rushing touchdowns.
Daniels, who has played fewer games than Griffin III thus far, is making impressive strides. As of Week 11 in the current season, he has thrown for 2,147 yards and nine touchdowns, demonstrating an effective passing game. Moreover, his rushing stats are noteworthy — trailing only Lamar Jackson in yards among quarterbacks, he has accumulated 464 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Comparative statistics reveal that while Griffin III’s rookie numbers are formidable, Daniels is on track to potentially surpass him in both passing and rushing categories, given the remaining games in the season.
Overall, Jayden Daniels is having a stellar debut year as the Commanders’ quarterback, presenting a bright future for the team. His performance thus far signals his potential to be a franchise quarterback, aligning with the hopes that he can lead Washington with sustained success in the coming years.
The optimism surrounding Daniels gives Commanders fans a renewed sense of hope for the team’s trajectory, indicating that the future may be brighter than the past.