When discussing one of the biggest surprises of the past NFL season, it’s impossible not to mention the Washington Commanders. However, Jayden Daniels made it clear that what’s done is behind them, and now all the focus is on what lies ahead.
In a recent conversation with the press, the former LSU Tigers quarterback expressed his intention to keep honing his skills as he looks ahead to the upcoming season. While acknowledging the achievements of the past, Daniels stated that his focus is already set on the week ahead for the next campaign.
“As a competitor, you’re always trying to find little ways to get better,“ Daniels said recently on Gruden Goes Long. “For me, last year was last year. That’s great, but it’s a whole new year now. I still got to go out there, I’ve got prove myself to my teammates, the organization, each and every day that I’m getting better. When it’s time to prepare and when those games come, I’ve got to know that, hey, how can I eliminate some tendencies? That’s the big thing.”
In his first NFL season, where he was named Rookie of the Year, Daniels threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns with just nine interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 891 yards and another six touchdowns on 148 carries.
The importance of the Commanders’ offseason additions
Dan Quinn’s team was undeniably one of the pleasant surprises of last season, achieving results that few had predicted. However, a tough loss to the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game brought their Super Bowl dream to an end — shifting the team’s focus squarely toward what lies ahead.
Bringing in high-caliber talent like Deebo Samuel — and managing to retain a key weapon in Terry McLaurin — has sparked major excitement for Jayden Daniels. The young quarterback has expressed strong confidence in building on last year’s success and taking things even further this season.
“It’s a blessing,” he said. “It’s super exciting because, obviously we want to get better each and every year, and the front office has [done] a great job of trying to figure out how can we get better? Adding a dynamic player like Deebo and adding Laremy, two players that have really been proven in this league for some years. It’s awesome. I’m just excited really to get out there and get to work with them and start building that continuity.”
A Super Bowl–winning HC issues advice to Daniels
Jayden Daniels’ outstanding rookie numbers have already sparked plenty of questions about what’s next. On that note, none other than Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid issued a warning to the young quarterback about the challenges of his second year in the league.
“The second year is a big challenge,” the Super Bowl champion head coach said, via John Keim of ESPN. “If you can get through your second year, you got a pretty good thing going.“
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