It’s no secret that the Washington Commanders are big fans of Jayden Daniels. That’s why the team selected him second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, since that moment, head coach Dan Quinn hasn’t been able to stop gushing about the 23-year-old, as the former Heisman Trophy winner has continued to impress through the early offseason work with the team.
With OTAs starting on the May 15, Quinn didn’t waste time getting Daniels familiar with the offense. He was working with the first-team to showcase just how much of the offense he’s absorbed in such little time. With his teammates praising him to the press already, it seems there is full confidence that the LSU product should find success in the NFL.
There’s nothing more overwhelming than the draft process, but what gets forgotten is that the second it’s over, there is no time for rest. Immediately after being selected second on Day 1, Daniels made his way to Washington D.C. where he met with the organization, press, and his new playbook.
After a long process of introductions and setting up for the future, the California native flew back home with his family. Except while everyone else slept on the flight, he stayed up to study the playbook and play calling communications. After hearing about this, Quinn was blown away:
He wasn’t wasting a second. If nothing else, there’s an urgency and a work ethic that I thought was gonna be really strong.
That preparation worked, as Daniels impressed his staff and immediately earned first team reps, a great sign that he could be the opening day starter when the team travels to Florida to face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
During his time in college, NFL teams fell in love with Daniels’ ability to operate as a dual-threat quarterback. While he’s a great athlete though, it was his ability to make great decisions as a passer with excellent comfort that allowed him to produce highlight numbers consistently. For as much natural ability as he has, a large part of that presence came from confidence in his effort and preparation. Continuing to instill those strong habits at the next level immediately after being selected should go a long way for the rookie as he begins his young career.
With new NFL coaches or coordinators, there come expectations for upgrading performances on the field.
Many teams made changes in philosophy and scheme ahead of the 2024 season, with the Chargers making the biggest splash of them all with Jim Harbaugh.
From one John Harbaugh connection in the West Coast to another, here’s looking at the league’s most improved coaching staffs from 2023:
Los Angeles Chargers
New coaches: HC Jim Harbaugh, OC Greg Roman, DC Jesse Minter
John’s brother returns to the NFL fresh from winning a national championship at Michigan. He’s borrowing a familiar offensive coordinator in Roman and took his defensive leader with him from Ann Arbor.
With Roman, Jim will restore balance and explosiveness to the offense to maximize the elite arm and athletic talent of Justin Herbert. Minter will rev up the front-seven pass rush and get more big plays behind it in the secondary. There will be some cohesiveness, toughness, and effective complementary football that wasn’t there with Brandon Staley. The Chargers will jump from 5-12 right into top wild-card playoff contention behind the Chiefs.
Washington Commanders
New coaches: HC Dan Quinn, OC Kliff Kingsbury, DC Joe Whitt Jr.
The Commanders went to the Cowboys to turn around their defense with the combination of Quinn and Whitt. Washington needs to be more active in making plays with new personnel, and there will be more versatility and aggressiveness in their attack.
Kingsbury, however, was the glossier get. The former Cardinals coach should have an immediate effect on rookie QB Jayden Daniels as the team better stretches the field vertically and horizontally to play to their dynamic dual-threat’s strengths. The Commanders have a good shot to displace the Giants and get into the back of the NFC wild-card mix.
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