To call it historic might be putting it lightly. The Washington Commanders have had a miraculous turnaround in just one season, going from a four-win team to an NFC Championship Game appearance. At the center of their success has been just one man: rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
With the improbable, and at times unbelievable, success that Daniels and the franchise have enjoyed this season, legacy and all-time conversations are already running rampant. While there is no official verdict, many are starting to believe that we may be watching the greatest NFL rookie quarterback season of all time.
Jayden Daniels: Best Rookie QB Ever?
There is enough evidence to support the claim. From his dual threat in the passing and running games to the incredible poise he’s shown late in games, Daniels has been sensational to watch.
Yet, his heroics translating to the playoffs have led conversations to reach a fever pitch. In the Divisional Round, Daniels was facing off against the No. 1 seed in the conference and Super Bowl favorites, the Detroit Lions.
Rather than wilt under pressure, the rookie led a supercharged offense, securing multiple third and fourth downs to keep them in the game, and eventually won 45-31. But, even before the final buzzer went off, Jim Rome was ready to crown Daniels.
“I don’t even care how this game ends. Jayden Daniels is the best rookie quarterback I have ever see. Tell me one who’s better. I’ll wait.”
I don’t even care how this game ends. Jayden Daniels is the best rookie quarterback I have ever see. Tell me one who’s better. I’ll wait.
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) January 19, 2025
Even though it seems like a bold proclamation at face value, it isn’t without merit. During the regular season, Daniels totaled over 4,000 yards between his passing and rushing games. He added 31 total touchdowns against just nine interceptions and led Washington on five game-winning drives.
Moreover, for a franchise that did not make any major roster changes over the offseason, Daniels almost singlehandedly turned them from a four-win team to a Conference Championship attendee.
For those willing to debate, names like C.J. Stroud, Ben Roethlisberger, and others might stand out. But, either they didn’t find the team success that Daniels did, or it wasn’t a one-man show quite like the Commanders.
On the season, Washington’s defense ranked 17th in the league, according to PFN’s Defense+ metric. In contrast — thanks to Daniels — its offense was the sixth-best, according to PFN’s Offense+ metric.
He led the way for the Commanders as the highest-rated rookie in the league this season and ninth overall in PFN’s QB+ metric. When accounting for the playoffs, that number jumps up to fifth in the NFL.
During the two postseason games, both on the road against a higher seed, Daniels has added 567 passing yards, along with 87 rushing yards, while scoring four touchdowns without any turnovers. He holds a passer rating of 116.2 and has been the biggest reason for Washington’s success.
It might be too early for some, but it isn’t without merit that Daniels might very well end up finishing this season as the single-best rookie QB in NFL history.
