5 critical observations from Jayden Daniels' preseason display against Bengals

It's been a long time since Washington Commanders fans saw star quarterback Jayden Daniels on the field in a typical NFL game-day setting. That eagerly awaited moment arrived on the bright lights of Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Daniels is looking to build on a phenomenal first campaign in the pros. He displayed the playmaking, dynamism, poise, and nerves of steel that took the league by storm immediately. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft dragged the Commanders from the proverbial wilderness to the NFC Championship game, and long-term expectations soared along the way.

After giving Daniels the night off in Washington's preseason opener versus the New England Patriots, head coach Dan Quinn was eager to get the signal-caller into a rhythm. Several veterans, including wide receiver Terry McLaurin, didn't join the former LSU standout, but this was the perfect chance for others to impress with an electrifying presence under center.

Quinn revealed that Daniels' time on the field wouldn't be for long, but every little helps. And of course, the Bengals were the team that fell victim to the rookie's coming-out party in Week 3 last season.

With that being said, here are five critical observations from Daniels' performance versus Cincinnati at Northwest Stadium.

Critical observations from Jayden Daniels' preseason display against the Bengals

Jayden Daniels' confidence

The swagger is difficult to ignore where Jayden Daniels is concerned. It's an understated confidence — a natural aura that people naturally gravitate towards. That was on display from the moment he got onto the field against the Bengals.

There isn't much Daniels cannot do when he gets under center. But unless a quarterback has the required confidence to inspire others, it's difficult to generate momentum. Everyone is firmly behind the signal-caller, willingly following him into battle. They know that if they can put the LSU product in a position to come through in the clutch, he'll almost always deliver.

This was a brief cameo compared to what Daniels will be tasked with during the regular season. However, that didn't stop the dynamic dual-threat quarterback from exuding confidence throughout. He was without some prominent members of his supporting cast to depend upon, but it didn't matter.

Daniels just looked more comfortable. That was evident quickly last season, but it seems like another offseason to familiarize himself with the scheme and develop chemistry with his pass-catchers has served him well.

Now, it's a case of staying sharp before the real action begins.

Jayden Daniels didn't pass, but it didn't matter

As previously mentioned, Jayden Daniels was without some prominent offensive playmakers for the Washington Commanders' second preseason game. But it quickly became apparent that they wouldn't be needed during his brief time on the field.

Terry McLaurin wasn't available despite coming off the physically unable to perform list. Veteran tight end Zach Ertz got the night off after starring over training camp. The Commanders also didn't risk wide receiver Noah Brown, who's been brought along gradually throughout the summer after getting carted off at mandatory minicamp.

This allowed Daniels to hone his chemistry with other weapons in the passing game. And Kliff Kingsbury dialed up a heavy run element to set the tone early.

Deebo Samuel Sr. and Chris Rodriguez Jr. started things off with two big runs for lofty gains. If anyone was wondering why the Commanders are looking to offloas Brian Robinson Jr. to the highest bidder, this was the best possible example.

After that, it was left to Daniels to finish things off with his customary efficiency. And after putting himself in harm's way, that was all head coach Dan Quinn wanted to see.

McLaurin should hopefully be back soon. But that doesn't detract from how integral this dynamic rushing atack could be to Kingsbury's offensive strategy with Daniels leading the charge.

Jayden Daniels' pre-snap command

There were only two players who started the NFC Championship game on Washington's starting offense aside from Jayden Daniels in this one. Even so, the complete control displayed by the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year was noticeable throughout his stint under center.

Daniels never looked like a rookie in many aspects in 2024. With an increased level of comfort in Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts, which were rightfully tailored around the quarterback's gifts, he looks in complete command.

One of Daniels' most overlooked traits is his ability to read defenses pre-snap. He's got sound recognition of coverages and knows how to alter protections accordingly. If the time calls to check out of a play, the Heisman Trophy winner can do that efficiently and with minimal fuss.

This puts everyone at ease. It was a relatively small sample size from Daniels, but he never looked out of sync with center Tyler Biadasz or uncomfortable with what the Cincinnati Bengals were throwing at him. And judging by how cool he was in the highest stakes situations last season, one can expect this trend to continue.

Daniels operated with his customary demeanor and control. This was a less pressurized setting, but any signs of the second-year complacency that befalls some who start their careers off well were non-existent.

Jayden Daniels' mobility

Jayden Daniels was on the field for just a handful of snaps. But that was just enough time for the phenomenal signal-caller to give fans a glimpse of the exceptional mobility that made him a superstar.

It was probably a heart-in-the-mouth moment for head coach Dan Quinn. The last thing he wanted to see was Daniels taking live fire in a preseason setting. But he just couldn't help himself, taking advantage of man coverage on the outside to exploit gaps in the middle and go in for the score.

The effortless movement from Daniels and the ability to escape oncoming tacklers in the open field is nothing short of sensational. There are very few wasted movements, and even when he got close to the goal line, there was never any doubt that he'd reach the end zone.

Washington will need this during the regular season. It keeps defenses honest and opens things up in the passing game. Finding the right balance is always preferable, but Daniels always finds a way to make the right decisions, no matter the situation.

It was no surprise to see Quinn immediately end Daniels' night after his touchdown run. But the player's rushing ability already looked in midseason form.