ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels could make performs along with his legs, identical to Sunday’s opposing quarterback Lamar Jackson. That does not imply Daniels views the 2 as comparable.
“I do not like when individuals attempt to examine me to Lamar,” Daniels stated. “We’re two completely different gamers. I wish to be often called Jayden Daniels and never the following such-and-such.”
Washington (4-1) performs at Baltimore (3-2) on Sunday in a matchup of the NFL’s two highest-scoring offenses — and two of essentially the most dynamic quarterbacks.
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Daniels owns the NFL’s third-highest quarterback score (73.2); Jackson’s is fifth (67.2).
Jackson has thrown for 1,206 yards passing and 9 touchdowns whereas speeding for one more 363 yards and two scores. In the meantime, Daniels has thrown for 1,135 yards and 4 touchdowns and rushed for 300 yards and 4 scores. Each quarterbacks are on tempo to surpass 1,000 yards speeding.
However whereas their stats is perhaps comparable, that does not imply they’re the identical quarterback. Quite a few NFL evaluators and coaches echoed that sentiment earlier than the draft, stating variations between the 2 — resembling Daniels’ superior means to play from the pocket in comparison with Jackson’s when the latter was drafted in 2018.
“He is his personal participant,” Jackson stated. “He is his personal man. On the finish of the day, we’re making an attempt to make a reputation by ourself, not anybody else.”
Daniels will probably be taking part in in solely his sixth NFL sport; Jackson is in his seventh season and has gained two NFL Most Helpful Participant awards.
Daniels stated they’ve a relationship that “goes again a while, form of like a giant bro, little bro sort of factor.” He stated they’ve a mutual respect.
“I like watching good quarterback play,” Daniels stated. “I am a fan of his, and the way he performs the sport, how he approaches the sport. However we’re two completely different quarterbacks, two completely different types. I recognize what he is achieved for the game and what he is achieved for the African American quarterbacks.”
Daniels stated he is used to being in comparison with different quarterbacks, from the time he was in highschool by way of coming into the draft.
“However for me it is simply, go on the market and attempt to be distinctive and attempt to be completely different from everyone,” Daniels stated. “Respect what they do as a result of you’ll be able to at all times study from different quarterbacks within the league. I am not closed-minded.”
Washington coach Dan Quinn stated there’s one facet of their video games that he views as shut.
“Each of those two are elite opponents on the highest stage,” Quinn stated. “That exhibits on tape, the best way they lengthen performs, the best way they end, the best way they lead their group. Each have their distinctive methods however on this sport there are unbelievable opponents and there is the elite and these two guys are elite at it.”
Daniels stated he likes watching quite a few quarterbacks, from Jackson to Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Daniels will choose the brains of different NFL quarterbacks he works out with within the offseason, asking about their offenses and the way they made sure performs.
However whereas Daniels and Jackson is perhaps completely different gamers, Washington hopes its rookie quarterback can have the identical long-term affect Jackson has had.
“It is powerful to check anybody to Lamar,” Washington tight finish Zach Ertz stated. “Lamar has been among the finest gamers within the league for a really very long time and Jayden simply had his fifth sport within the league. We have got all the boldness on the earth that he’ll be in that dialog for a very long time. Nevertheless it’s a disservice to each gamers.”
ESPN’s Jamison Hensley contributed to this report.
