Brian Schottenheimer Says Jayden Daniels Is Processing Game Faster

FRISCO, Texas — Jayden Daniels processes the game faster than he did when he entered the NFL, Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said Wednesday at The Star. The Washington Commanders quarterback plays at AT&T Stadium on Sunday.

Daniels has always been athletic, Schottenheimer said, and the game seems to have slowed down for him.

“That’s a good question. He’s always been athletic. I think how quick he gets the ball out of his hand. I think you see a quarterback [who’s] very decisive. He’s got a quick release,” Schottenheimer said. “And I think there’s a processing speed that maybe he didn’t have in the beginning where the game seems to have slowed down for him.”

“And he’s got some weapons. They’ve done a nice job adding Diggs. McLaurin’s obviously very talented. They’ve got Dyami Brown back. They’ve got the rookie that had a nice game last game,” Schottenheimer continued. “So he’s got weapons, but I would say the thing that jumps out at me is the ability to process and get the ball out of his hand fast.”

Jayden Daniels Threw 2 Touchdowns In Washington Commanders’ Opener

Daniels completed 18-of-34 passes for 164 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions in a 24-22 loss at the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. He ran 5 times for 31 yards and was sacked once. Washington went 2-for-2 on fourth down and 5-of-15 on third down.

Rookie receiver Antonio Williams caught 4 passes for 64 yards and a touchdown, including the score that pulled Washington within 24-22. Stefon Diggs caught 4 of 9 targets for 55 yards and a touchdown. Terry McLaurin caught 2 passes for 14 yards, and Dyami Brown was targeted twice without a catch.

Washington took Daniels with the second overall pick in 2024. Sunday was his first game with David Blough as offensive coordinator. The Commanders went 5-12 in 2025.

Dallas Cowboys Defense Faces Jayden Daniels After Giants Loss

The New York Giants beat Dallas 28-20 on Sunday night. Jaxson Dart completed 23-of-29 passes for 230 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions, and New York converted 9 of 11 third downs.

The Giants had an athletic quarterback getting the ball out fast, Schottenheimer said, and Dallas did not do a great job on first down.

“I think at the end of the day, we didn’t do a great job on first down. We talked a lot about the pass rush and why was there not more rush on the quarterback?” Schottenheimer explained. “Well, when they’re rushing for six yards a carry on first down and they’re living in second-and-4s and things like that, you’re not going to get many ops. And when you do, you’ve got an athletic quarterback that was getting the ball out of his hand fast.”

Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker are both working back from injuries they sustained in the opener. The Cowboys swept Washington last season, winning 44-22 in Arlington and 30-23 on Christmas Day. Kickoff Sunday is 3:25 p.m. CT on FOX.