Joon Kim, ESPN Staff Writer Oct 2, 2024, 6:16pm ET
CloseJohn Keim covers the Washington leaders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with The Washington Post. He began covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on “The John Keim Report,” broadcast on ESPN Radio Richmond, and follow him on Twitter @john_keim
ASHBURN, Va. – In just four games, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has set multiple NFL records and helped revive a long-standing franchise. His No. 5 jersey even became a bestseller.
But he only sees himself as a man entering his fifth game.
“I’m still a rookie,” Daniels said.
Those four games have helped Washington to a 3-1 start — its best since 2011 — entering Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns (1-3).
Washington hasn’t started a game 4-1 since 2008.
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Daniels has already set the record for the highest completion percentage after four games in a season (82.1), and also became the first quarterback to complete 85% or more of his passes in two straight games. He ranks fourth in quarterback rating at 73.3 and in yards per attempt at 8.5. He threw for 897 yards, three touchdowns and just one interception while rushing for another 215 yards and four scores.
It has become a hot topic of conversation on many television and radio shows. Fanatics even declared Daniels’ jersey the top seller last week.
Daniels said he is grateful to be in this position and impact people’s lives. But, even though he’s aware of what people say about him, he said he won’t let it affect him.
“Because I could play well and then play poorly, and people would think otherwise,” Daniels said. “She stays sober.”
Commander’s rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has a record completion percentage of 82.1 after four games, throwing for 897 yards, 3 touchdowns and just 1 interception while rushing for another 215 yards and 4 scores. Mark J. Rebelas/Imagine Images
In the spring, a reporter asked him about the benefits of being a “star” quarterback. Daniels shot that down, saying he hadn’t done anything yet. When asked on Wednesday if he could at least be referred to as a “rookie star,” Daniels made it clear he wasn’t interested in titles.
“You can say whatever you want,” Daniels said. “I’m still a rookie in my eyes, so I let everyone do the talking for me. I don’t get caught up in that stuff. But man, it’s just a blessing. Just the preparation, and obviously the team believes in it. Me and I will go out there and compete every Sunday.”
Washington coach Dan Quinn said he’s not concerned about the additional attention and early success changing Daniels’ approach.
“All he’s shown since coming here is a relentless approach to getting better and staying in the moment,” Quinn said. “He has a remarkable intelligence about him which is wise beyond his years. If I had concerns, I would have already addressed them. He’s a very easy guy to support and be on this journey with and start it together, and it’s a really great thing to be a part of.”
Daniels built a strong relationship with his teammates, often chatting playfully with linebacker Bobby Wagner about their basketball prowess, among other topics. But they see what he did and how he dealt with early fame.
“He’s very balanced, very mature and he comes in and works and that’s the most important thing, especially when you’re young,” Wagner said. “Just go in, do the work, make plays. The most impressive thing is that with all the success, with all the national attention, he’s been so humble and the work hasn’t changed, which is really cool to see.” “
