At this point, it's clear: If you're an NFL defense going up against Jayden Daniels, you're going to allow big plays. It's simply a question of how many.
And, he's going to frustrate the crap out of whatever defense he's up against. I mean, the Cleveland Browns were treating him like Lamar Jackson in terms of their preparation heading into the game and with good reason - Daniels can make a lot of the same plays Jackson can and he's just as dangerous as a runner.
On Sunday, Daniels completed 56% of his passes (14-of-25) for 238-yards, one touchdown, and an interception. He also added 82 rushing yards on 11 carries - the former of which led the team.
The key part about several of those plays is the fact they came during key moments in the game, most notably his 66-yard bomb to Terry McLaurin on 3rd and 13 where he scrambled right, bought time, and found McLaurin deep down the field. Another moment came on a 4th and 3 later in the game and Daniels scrambled for the first down by gaining six yards. Those plays were just two of many where the Browns defense just couldn't get to him.
The best part? Daniels was so locked in he didn't even notice the opposition's frustration. Or at least that's what he told reporters after the game. From any vantage point that's not affiliated with the opposing defense - it's impossible to dislike Daniels' focus.
"Not at all," Daniels said when asked if he noticed the Browns' frustrations. "I mean they I'm just out there playing football. No, I'm kind of just reacting to everything that they're doing. I was able to get outside the pocket [a] couple times [and] scramble a couple times. So I think after hitting that scramble drill to Terry, I think that kind of put them on high alert, like, 'Hey, we gotta stay plastered to our man.' So I was able to get the corner on a couple runs."
Quarterbacks that can make plays out of structure are major weapons in the NFL. Guys like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, the aforementioned Jackson, and others are constantly praised for their ability to make things happen when things around them break down. It's also a big reason why they're considered among the league's elite QBs.
Daniels has more than shown that ability through the first five weeks of the season and it's certainly caught the attention of defenses around the league. The problem is, right now, they can't stop him.
"It just fires us up, because we know what Jayden put in all week," Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu said after the game. "The kid shows up at 4am [and] he's already lifting in there. Me and Bobby walk in like, at five, six, and dude's already done with his film tape [and] he's done with his lift. He's already a step ahead, so to see that, and what he does on Sundays, it's not shocking... what you put in is what you're gonna get out.
"And for him to do what he does, man, it just fires us up. And, you know, just helps us get going."
And, when considering Daniels' improvement regarding off-structure plays from Week 1, it's clear he's starting to "get it". Which is a pretty scary thing for everyone else.
"If you remember, that was one of the things early-on we talked about, not sure if it was in Tampa or the Giants game where we thought there were some plays to be made down the field, as you remain a passer," Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said after the game. "And so one of the things that I really appreciate about Jaden is his ability to learn and process quickly and so on...
"... It can be demoralizing [for the opposing defense], you know, because all of a sudden you've created some long yardage scenarios.. and so to have a big shot even when the person's guarded well, to put it in the only spot it could go [it's demoralizing]."
The wild part is there are 12 games left for Daniels to keep improving. It's going to be one hell of a ride watching him grow over the next few months.
