Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin recently expressed high praise for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, highlighting his immediate impact on the team’s offensive system.
McLaurin shared his thoughts during an appearance on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” where he detailed his first impressions of the young quarterback.
“The first thing that stood out to me about Jayden Daniels is the poise he came in with. It seemed like he knew the entire offense when we got there,” McLaurin remarked. He went on to describe Daniels’ proactive approach during team activities: “He’s in there calling the huddles through the walkthroughs. He’s in there calling the plays, and he’s extremely confident.”
McLaurin attributed Daniels’ seamless transition to his rigorous preparation and deep love for football. “It’s a testament to his preparation and his studying that he did on his own. But also, I think the kid loves ball, and he has a good feel for the game. So I think he really came in with the right mindset and energy, and guys are already gravitating to him,” he added.
This praise comes at a pivotal time for the Commanders, who selected Daniels second overall in the NFL Draft last April.
Historically, the team has struggled with consistency at the quarterback position, having started a different quarterback in Week 1 for each of the past seven seasons.
The recent trade of Sam Howell, who started 17 games in 2023, to the Seattle Seahawks underscores this ongoing challenge.
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The Commanders are also under new leadership this season, with head coach Dan Quinn at the helm and Kliff Kingsbury stepping in as the offensive coordinator. McLaurin expressed optimism about the dynamic the new coaching staff and Daniels will bring to the team. “You’ll see an offense this year who’s playing with a lot of energy, who’s playing together, who’s playing unbelievable without the ball. … That’s a testament to the unselfishness needed for success as an offense,” he explained. “There’s only one ball that can go around.”
Daniels, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, had a standout season at LSU in 2023, where he accounted for 50 touchdowns and won the Heisman Trophy. His arrival in Washington is seen as a potential turning point for a franchise in desperate need of stability under center.
McLaurin, known for his exceptional ability to make contested catches, has consistently performed at a high level, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in four consecutive seasons and earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 2022.
His excitement about Daniels’ addition to the team speaks volumes, given the frequent changes at quarterback he has experienced throughout his tenure with the Commanders.
This new partnership could very well be the catalyst needed to elevate the Commanders’ offense in the coming NFL season.