Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs past Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker SirVocea Dennis (8) for a touchdown during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Watch: Commanders' Jayden Daniels scores first NFL touchdown

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated Sep 8, 2024 7:04 PM ET

The first pass of Jayden Daniels’ NFL career cost his team 13 yards, but he looked much better in the third quarter on a short run to the end zone for the first of what should be many touchdowns as a Washington Commander.

FIRST NFL TOUCHDOWN FOR JAYDEN DANIELS!

✅ Anytime TD Scorer (+170)

(via @Commanders) pic.twitter.com/ZEhRgaNPYW
— ESPN BET (@ESPNBET) September 8, 2024

As a two-year starter for LSU, the 23-year-old quarterback had 6,725 yards passing and 57 touchdowns with 2,019 more yards and 21 scores on the ground. In his final three games as a Tiger, Daniels threw for 1,020 yards with 13 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Daniels’ performance was good enough to win the Heisman Trophy and was all new Washington general manager Adam Peters needed to see before taking Daniels second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Back in 2012, the team used the No. 2 pick to draft quarterback Robert Griffin III. He finished his rookie year with 4,015 yards passing and rushing combined and 27 total touchdowns.

New Commanders head coach Dan Quinn would love to see Daniels approach those numbers, and if his first score is any indication, he’s going to be just fine as a dual-threat QB in Washington's offense this season.

Bruce Ewing

Bruce Ewing is 183 pounds of twisted steel and Happy Meals. His work has appeared on Yardbarker, 5th Down Fantasy, Inside the Iggles and MSN. Give a Philly fan a break and follow him on Twitter/X at @fantasybruce.

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