Jayden Daniels named Commanders starting quarterback

ASHBURN, Va. — On Monday morning, Dan Quinn visited Jayden Daniels in the quarterback room with the most apparent news — except for the heralded rookie.

The Washington Commanders head coach announced to Daniels — and subsequently the world — that he will be the starting quarterback in Week 1. As secrets go, hearing the dual threat will be under center at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers generated zero shock for anyone paying casual attention.

“As much as we knew Jayden would get there, (general manager) Adam (Peters) and I were most excited about watching how he would,” Quinn said. “The how has been absolutely outstanding. He went through the whole thing. He didn’t miss a beat.  He hit the targets. He’s ready, and he’s earned the right to do that.”

Considering Daniels’ origin story, reaching this level was pre-ordained. At seven, he hung a sign above his bedroom door stating he would someday play in the NFL.

“It’s a surreal moment,” Daniels, 23, said.

Regardless, Daniels assumed nothing when Quinn entered the room.

“Nothing is given in this world,” Daniels said through a mile-wide smile.

“When he told me, I was surprised. I didn’t know what I was getting talked to about. I thought he was going to talk to me about my routine for (Sunday’s preseason) game.”

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner became the (non-politics) talk of the D.C. area from the moment Washington selected him with the No. 2 pick in April’s NFL Draft. Only injury or a UFO would have prevented him from becoming the eighth opening-game starting quarterback in eight seasons.

Veteran Marcus Mariota’s presence offered Quinn a chance to claim competition, but even the coach acknowledged there was no doubt.

“This is a rare competitor,” Quinn said. “I knew that about him, but seeing it in your own building, on your own team around new teammates, that was cool to see.”

Quinn said Daniels’ best practice was last Tuesday before Washington traveled to Miami for a joint practice and preseason game against the Dolphins. Assuming he sits out the preseason finale against the New England Patriots, Daniels finished his two-game showcase 12-of-15 for 123 yards with 16 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

“Nothing (Jayden) does surprises me,” offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury told The Athletic after the Dolphins joint practice. “He comes in, works his tail off, and seems like every day he’ll make a check or a play that (shows) he’s taken a step forward. That’s what is exciting. The consistent improvement we’re seeing daily. When you put those days together, hopefully, it pays off during the season.”

Washington has several other lineup and roster battles to debate, including the hierarchy of wide receivers, outside cornerbacks and offensive tackles. Even though Daniels experienced standard teachable moments — and scared Quinn by taking on contact against Miami — such discussions are long over at the sport’s most impactful position.

“What DQ and (the staff) preach here is competition,” Daniels said. “You got to earn your right to stay. You got to earn your right on the field. … Going out there to compete makes everyone better. What they preach, they hold true to that.”

Required reading

(Photo: Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images)