Kliff Kingsbury explains how Jayden Daniels could improve

It's difficult to imagine Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels topping his monumental rookie season, but offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury believes it was just a taste of what's to come.

"You can see the comfort level was there this year," Kingsbury told the media Wednesday at OTAs. "I mean, just watching him move around, he's not thinking as much, he's playing fast and letting his natural gifts kind of take over, and that's what we want to see. So, I expect him to take a big jump." 

If Daniels makes that jump, that would be a nightmare for defensive coordinators. 

Last season, he tossed 25 touchdown passes in 17 regular-season games, leading the Commanders to their first NFC Championship Game since the 1991 season. For his efforts, he won the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year and finished seventh in MVP voting. 

Although he had, perhaps, the greatest season for a rookie QB in league history, it doesn't sound like Daniels has been taking it easy this offseason. 

"He works extremely hard," Kingsbury said. "I mean, that's all he kind of thinks about is how he can get better and watch a ton of film, watches a ton of football overall. And so, that organically really takes care of itself in a way when you have a guy who wants to be that great. He is very highly motivated to be as good as he can be, and that's always exciting for the organization."

Last season, the Commanders lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 55-23 in the NFC title game. A second-year leap from Daniels could catapult them into their first Super Bowl since the 1991 season. Judging by what Kingsbury said, that may happen.