Jayden Daniels Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

It only took one camp pass for Jayden Daniels to silence sophomore slump fears

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 11:16 AM ET

Much of the talk throughout a long offseason centered on whether Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels would decline in Year 2 of his professional career. Rookie success is always positive, but NFL history is littered with signal-callers who cannot sustain their early momentum.

Daniels is different. And he shut up any skeptics with his first training camp pass.

Everyone associated with the Commanders knows what a special player and person Daniels is. Adam Peters was convinced this was the prospect to spearhead an exciting new era at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The general manager has been proven right so far, and last season's phenomenal efforts could be the first building block en route to a future Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement.

That seems ambitious, but Daniels is reaching for the stars. His elite-level mentality, tireless work ethic, and exceptional composure saw him take the league by storm. However, the former LSU phenom won't be reveling in his first-year accomplishments.

Daniels is all about looking forward. And the first practice of training camp represented another example of the outstanding credentials he brings to the table.

Jayden Daniels didn't take long to turn heads at Commanders training camp

The reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year set the tone right out of the gate, blowing away those in attendance with a jaw-dropping back-shoulder throw during red zone drills that was expertly brought in by newly acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.

Jayden Daniels’s first completion of training camp: over-the-shoulder TD to Deebo.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) July 23, 2025

I'm not gonna do this every time cause my texting fingers would bleed BUT Jayden Daniels won't throw a better pass all camp than the absolute dime to Deebo in the EZ. Over the shoulder with the corner RIGHT THERE. This was his first pass to boot.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) July 23, 2025

Wow. Jayden opens team drills with a dime to Deebo Samuel. touchdown
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) July 23, 2025

Tyler Owens was in coverage, and it was tight. But as is typically the case with Daniels, the throw was just too good.

Terry McLaurin wasn't present as he awaits a new deal from the Commanders. That didn't prevent Daniels from taking center stage, and he already looks in midseason form.

One could dismiss the possibility of Daniels plateauing or taking a slight step back. The dynamic dual-threat set the bar incredibly high last season, so matching it will be difficult with a bigger target on his back in 2025.

Even so, there's also nothing to suggest that Daniels cannot take another leap into the truly elite category, forcing himself into the conversation alongside Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow.

Judging by the imposing start Daniels made to training camp, it's all systems go. He's not settling for second best — he's coming for it all. And if the same trend continues when things get more intense, there's just no telling what the second-year superstar will be able to accomplish when competitive action resumes.

That's great news for the Commanders, and something that won't go unnoticed around the league.