5 major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance at the Ravens

Jayden Daniels is taking the NFL by storm just five games into his professional career. The Washington Commanders quarterback captivates fans with an electrifying playing style. He earns the respect of his teammates through exceptional preparation and unrivaled dedication. After years of searching, the team finally has a franchise-caliber presence under center to depend upon.

Week 6 at the Baltimore Ravens represented a different challenge entirely for Daniels. This unit was intent on making life extremely difficult and showing him something he'd not seen in the pros before. The Heisman Trophy winner shrugged it off as just another contest. However, the added media attention and excitement among the fanbase were hard to ignore.

Daniels is a cool customer with the complete trust of the organization. As it turned out, a good effort from the quarterback was not enough. This looked like a step too far for the Commanders, who had no answers for Baltimore's offense en route to their second loss of the campaign.

With this in mind, here are five major observations from Daniels' performance at M&T Bank Stadium.

Major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance at the Ravens

Jayden Daniels' eye manipulation

One of the most impressive traits Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels brings to the table is his eye manipulation. This is rare for someone so young - something that enables him to move defenders off their desired spots and process things quickly before distributing the football with supreme accuracy.

There were countless examples of this throughout the contest. It's also a big reason why Daniels looks like a savvy veteran rather than a first-year pro just making his way to the sport's pinnacle as a first-round selection out of LSU.

This is only going to help Daniels extend what's been a memorable start to the campaign. His poise is outstanding. This is matched by confidence in his ability and having the nuance to keep opposing defenses on their toes with smooth eye movements before striking with conviction.

It's a dangerous combination. Something that should continue to flourish in 2024 and beyond if others live up to their end of the bargain.

Jayden Daniels' calmness

There isn't much - if anything - that flusters Jayden Daniels. His calmness with the spotlight glaring is soothing and inspiring in equal measure. It's also something that rubs off positively on his teammates for good measure.

This was on full display in Week 6. The Baltimore Ravens threw everything at the young signal-caller in a bid to confuse and bait the former LSU star into mistakes. Daniels responded with the calm assurance that head coach Dan Quinn was preaching before the game.

It wasn't perfect all the time, but Daniels' demeanor never wavered. His mentality is right up there with the elite signal-callers around the league. Producing the goods and staying on an even keel no matter the opposition is only going to help his cause.

Daniels is a constant source of motivation through a quiet, purposeful aura. It's been a long time since the Commanders had anything like this at football's most important position. More is needed to enter contention, but this is the biggest foundational piece from which to build.

Jayden Daniels' solid first half

Jayden Daniels put together a solid first half. The Commanders were down 17-10 at the interval, but this was thanks in no small part to the defensive deficiencies in the secondary rather than any failings on the offensive side of the football.

Daniels was accurate and went through his progressions effectively. There wasn't much chance to take downfield shots as the Ravens focused on protecting the backend. However, it was a methodical showcase of his ability to take what the defense gives him.

His touchdown drive was a prime example of this, which was finished off masterfully with a dime to wide receiver Terry McLaurin. The Cajon High School product's impressive first half was also reflected in the stats.

• 75 percent completion
• 131 passing yards
• 1 touchdown
• 0 interceptions
• 1 sack against
• 15 rushing yards
• 108.5 passer rating (ESPN)

The Commanders' offense didn't look overawed. They had Daniels to thank for that, which was all the more pleasing considering the ground game became an afterthought without the services of Brian Robinson Jr.

Jayden Daniels chasing the game

The Washington Commanders got into a hole, which wasn't entirely unexpected looking at the Baltimore Ravens' firepower. They were down two touchdowns at one stage in the second half, so Jayden Daniels was in a situation he hadn't been used to over the last four contests. He had to chase the game rather than play with a lead.

Daniels adjusts brilliantly to almost any scenario. This raised urgency saw the signal-caller take more risks downfield. One pass should have been intercepted, but he quickly debunked the myth of not being able to throw across the middle with the same effectiveness.

Veteran tight end Zach Ertz featured more. There's a growing connection with Noah Brown that could be enhanced further with additional familiarity. As always, Pro Bowl pass-catcher Terry McLaurin stepped up when his number was called.

The Commanders will always have a chance with Daniels under center. If Washington's defense can get its act together, they'll be a match for almost anybody despite this being Year 1 of a comprehensive rebuild under the new regime.

Jayden Daniels couldn't have done much more

Jayden Daniels couldn't have done much more, in all honesty. The quarterback protected the football, was precise with his throws more often than not, and showcased his fierce inner drive to keep this game competitive despite Washington facing a deficit from early on.

Washington's second loss of the 2024 season came through other reasons. Their defensive secondary was an abomination from start to finish. The Ravens had their way with the defense overall and left Daniels with too much to do. He tried valiantly, but the quarterback was fighting a losing battle.

Daniels eventually finished the game with 68.57 percent completion success for 269 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 110.3 passer rating. This was another encouraging display with plenty of positives attached. But until other position groups match the signal-caller, the Commanders will only get so far.

This contest was decided by fine margins. It was closer than most analysts projected, so it's not a complete disaster by any stretch. There is a lot of hard work ahead. At the same time, it shows just how far Daniels and the Commanders have come quickly.

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