The concept of a rookie quarterback transforming an NFL franchise is often seen as a cliché, with few real-world examples to back it up. Significant improvements usually require more than just one rookie, regardless of his position. This was certainly true for the 2024 Washington Commanders.

Jayden Daniels serves as a reminder for teams and executives across the NFL to hold on to the hope that a single young quarterback can lead them back to success. If future players can replicate even a fraction of what Daniels achieved last season, they may very well justify that belief. What Daniels accomplished for Washington and its eager fan base was historically significant.

On Thursday, Daniels earned the title of the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, a recognition he was favored for during most, if not all, of the 2024 season.

“In my view, he’s had the greatest rookie season ever,” remarked Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who had one of the standout rookie seasons as a quarterback the previous year.

There seems to be a trend of second overall picks setting higher standards.

Washington’s general manager Adam Peters, appointed by the new ownership group under Josh Harris, chose Dan Quinn as the team’s head coach. The newly formed leadership picked Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, as the second overall draft selection, drawing comparisons to Robert Griffin III’s 2012 season, where he also claimed Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Commanders fans hope that any similarities in their career paths stop there.

In his debut season, Daniels completed 25 touchdown passes (with nine interceptions) and accumulated 3,568 passing yards. He showcased his athleticism by rushing 148 times for 891 yards, setting a rookie QB record along with six rushing touchdowns.

His most memorable moment was a last-second Hail Mary to defeat the Chicago Bears in Week 8. However, he made his presence known earlier on a national stage during Week 3, with a significant touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals on “Monday Night Football.” He was honored as the NFC Offensive Rookie of the Month for September, marking a strong beginning.

Those crucial moments characterized his rookie season. A remarkable twelve of his touchdown throws occurred in the fourth quarter or overtime, the highest number ever recorded by a rookie in NFL history. He also notably threw five touchdown passes in the last 30 seconds of regulation or overtime, surpassing any quarterback, rookie or veteran, since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970.

“He’s a special talent,” Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder shared with YSL News Sports. “He remains composed and calm in every situation.

“It’s been a lot of fun and excitement watching him play.”

Daniels quickly left a positive impression on his teammates. Veterans like Zach Ertz, Marcus Mariota (his backup and a former No. 2 pick and Heisman winner), and Bobby Wagner were drawn to him. He routinely arrived at the team facility in Ashburn, Virginia, before 6 a.m. for walk-throughs.

“I believe it’s a snowball effect from how he approaches his work,” rookie tight end Ben Sinnott told YSL News Sports. “Everyone talks about it, and it’s true. He has that ‘it factor.’ He remains relaxed, cool, and maintains a clear focus. His work ethic is impressive; he grinds every single day. Those around him notice it and are inspired by that energy. It’s visibly evident, and it has shown throughout the season.”

Daniels faced a rib injury in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers, keeping him out for much of that game. The so-called “rookie wall” hit both him and the Commanders, resulting in a three-game losing streak in November. However, he saved his best efforts for the homestretch, leading the Commanders to five consecutive victories to finish the regular season at 12-5 and secure the sixth seed in the NFC. He became the first rookie to throw for five touchdowns and rush for over 50 yards in a game during a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16.

When Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was asked if Daniels was the best rookie quarterback he’d ever encountered, Fangio, who has extensive NFL coaching experience since 1986, replied, “You know, probably, yes. He’s a young quarterback by age, but not by performance.”

Daniels continued impressing by leading a game-winning drive in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons, clinching the franchise’s first playoff spot since 2020. Washington then upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round, with Daniels orchestrating a game-winning field-goal drive, and took down the top-seeded Detroit Lions six days later, scoring 38 points and reaching the franchise’s first NFC title game in 33 years.

Among the six rookie quarterbacks who have led their teams to a conference championship, Daniels is the only one without a top-three scoring defense to support him (Washington ranked 18th).

Throughout this journey, Daniels maintained a confident smile even in the face of tough hits and adversity. He downplayed his excitement after the Commanders’ playoff-winning field goal against Tampa Bay.

“He is a fierce competitor. That’s one of the traits I admire most about him; he faces challenges head-on. I’d love to see him smile a little less in those critical moments and a bit more otherwise,” remarked head coach Dan Quinn during the postseason. “On the sidelines, he’s ‘The Terminator.’ He’s not influenced by outside distractions. He can really focus.”

And everyone connected to Washington is hopeful that he’ll continue performing at this high level for many years to come.