5 major observations from Jayden Daniels performance against the Giants

Jayden Daniels has the NFL world at his feet. The Washington Commanders are counting on their franchise quarterback to take another leap in 2025 after his phenomenal rookie campaign. If he can, head coach Dan Quinn's squad looks more than capable of going on a deep postseason run.

First up for Daniels was a stout New York Giants defensive unit in front of a sold-out crowd at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders were favored for the contest, but some shrewd analysts thought this game would be a lot closer than some think, thanks to a pass-rush that can give anyone problems when firing on all cylinders.

Daniels is the big equalizer. The Commanders and their passionate fan base know they'll always be in with a chance if the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft is under center. And if he's got an opportunity to come through in the clutch, he always delivers.

Speculation about a sophomore slump for Daniels was rife in the media leading into the campaign. Those in the building weren't worried in the slightest — not with such a hard-working, composed player with a relentless drive that everyone willingly follows.

Expectations were through the roof for Daniels. As it turned out, the Commanders had nothing to worry about as they emerge from their opener with a comfortable triumph on home soil.

With that in mind, here are five major observations from Daniels' performance against the Giants in Week 1.

Major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance in Week 1 vs. NY Giants

Jayden Daniels in high tempo

There aren't many better sights than watching Jayden Daniels run a no-huddle offense. His level of comfort has only grown with additional experience and another offseason to hone his craft. And the signal-caller put this on full display with a supreme showcase of poise and composure on Washington's second drive.

Daniels' dynamism, accuracy, and ability to make plays out of nothing make him incredibly difficult to stop. There is no hesitation. Everything is measured and done with extreme precision. And if some improvisation is needed, that's when the LSU product is at his best.

A deep connection that hit Chris Moore right on time got Washington downfield quickly. The veteran pass-catcher didn't make the squad in large part due to his indifferent efforts in the preseason. But when a play was there to be made when things matter more, he took full advantage.

When the Commanders got into the red zone, it allowed Daniels to resume his flourishing connection with Zach Ertz. The NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year delivered an absolute laser with pinpoint precision. The veteran tight end brought it in for the game's first touchdown.

Expect to see a lot more of this throughout the campaign. And not many defenses will get the upper hand.

Jayden Daniels' productive first half

It typically takes players a little time to settle into things, especially considering most established stars don't see much time during the preseason. But for Jayden Daniels, he picked up right where he left off.

Things weren't perfect, but they were never going to be. However, there was far more good than bad where Daniels' efforts were concerned. He connected with his playmakers effectively, controlled the line of scrimmage, and communicated effectively pre-snap. The offensive line did a decent job of keeping his pocket clean, although it's almost impossible to completely contain the New York Giants' front seven.

Aside from the end of the first half, Daniels' performance was pleasing. He completed 61.11 percent of his passes in the first half for 152 passing yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He also gained 40 rushing yards on five carries for a passer rating of 106.7.

Daniels left some throws and points on the field, but that wasn't exactly surprising. Everything is still clicking. Even so, the fact that he managed to make so many key plays to give the Commanders an advantage cannot be seen as anything other than positive.

And as all fans know, Daniels only gets better as the campaign goes on.

Jayden Daniels' blossoming connection

One benefit of Terry McLaurin's frustrating contract standoff with the Commanders throughout the summer was Jayden Daniels getting some extra time to develop chemistry with Deebo Samuel Sr. The quarterback acknowledged that this was a silver lining, and hopes were high that their newfound timing could carry through into a competitive setting.

Daniels and Kliff Kingsbury like to share the wealth. Getting as many people as possible involved in the passing attack keeps defenses honest. But with McLaurin still working his way back into genuine football shape, it didn't take long for Samuel to come to the fore.

Everything was on point between Daniels and Samuel. The Heisman Trophy winner didn't see the wide receiver when he was wide open to end the first half, but they rarely put a foot wrong to firmly establish what could be a prolific connection.

This all depends on Samuel's health. He looks healthy and explosive right now, but the Commanders need to keep him at this level over a 17-game slate and into the playoffs. It's so far, so good on that front, and having such a versatile weapon to depend upon is already making Daniels better.

And once McLaurin reaches optimum sharpness, the sky's the limit.

Jayden Daniels' mobility

Jayden Daniels is a pocket passer by trade. He's a cerebral assassin who can carve up defenses behind his offensive line. But he's also capable of bringing out his superpower when it's required.

That, of course, is his exceptional mobility. When things aren't developing as expected, Daniels has no problem getting out on the move. He's got a sixth sense for escaping pressure. He's also much quicker than people give him credit for, which is a dangerous combination that the New York Giants had no real answer for.

When the Giants thought they had Daniels locked up, he'd find a way out. This often came in critical down and distances, which only added to Brian Daboll's frustrations. He's a pick-your-poison quarterback to scheme against, and he's got no trouble exploiting potential weaknesses with his legs.

The Washington Commanders don't want to rely too much on Daniels' legs. It increases the risk of getting hurt, but sometimes, it's a necessity. And he's getting a lot better at picking and choosing his spots rather than just tucking to run at the first opportunity.

Daniels eventually finished the game with 68 rushing yards. The ground game looked much more efficient, led by Austin Ekeler and Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but having this quarterback also gives it a massive shot in the arm.

Jayden Daniels got the job done

Week 1 is always a tricky one to predict. In some ways, it's not the performance that matters. The result is all that counts.

Jayden Daniels got the job done. There are some things to clean up, but it was a pretty convincing victory, all things considered. The quarterback steered the ship effectively, protected the football, and never looked in any real danger.

It represents a solid foundation from which to build. Daniels is only going to get better once he gets more reps. He's not going to come up against many better defensive fronts this season, so the fact that he looked so comfortable and in control is a big plus to emerge from the contest.

This is just the start. Bigger tests are coming for Daniels, starting on Thursday Night Football in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. But with the signal-caller already in midseason form, the Commanders have absolutely nothing to fear.

Daniels accumulated more than 300 total yards. He led by example and always seemed to come through in clutch moments. This is what the Commanders saw from the franchise player throughout the 2024 season. It seems like history will repeat itself in the best way imaginable.