It’s the third week, and Jayden Daniels already has his third first in the NFL.
The Commanders will travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals in a Monday Night game televised by ABC.
On Thursday with the press, Daniels quickly acknowledged that it is rare to have so many “firsts” so quickly.
“It’s special obviously, to play one this early, just coming off my first actual game, my first home opener, now my first Monday Night game. So, it’s going to be special, but at the end of the day, it’s another game. We’re just playing later in the week.”
This week’s opponent is Joe Burrow, another former LSU Heisman Trophy winner. Burrow led his team to the 2019 NCAA Championship, and Daniels showed his appreciation.
Daniels expressed that he had not talked to Burrow recently but then was clear in wishing Burrow the best. Daniels followed in Burrow’s footsteps, winning the 2023 Heisman Trophy.
Last week against the Giants, the Commanders were tied 18-18 with just under two minutes remaining. Facing a second-and-10 at the Washington 23, just under two minutes remained. Daniels found Noah Brown for 34 yards. When asked about it Thursday, Daniels did not take any credit, saying he was just one of the 11 on the field, and his offensive line gave him time to make that throw.
Daniels was asked what he was hoping to display to the NFL fans Monday night. He appropriately replied, “I’m just trying to do whatever it takes to get a win.”
When asked about his not having a turnover through two games, Daniels responded, “That’s the name of the game; whoever can win the turnover battle has a better chance of winning.”
Then there is Terry McLaurin and his 39 receiving yards total in his first two games of 2024.
“Obviously, we have to get Terry the ball, but at the end of the day, you got to spread the ball around,” Daniels said. “Defenses are going to key on Terry out of respect for him because of what he did in this league. When it’s time, and we have a one-on-one matchup, and Terry is out there, go let him win. But other than that, we are going to keep playing our game, keep moving forward and just go from there.”
How about that? Daniels didn’t simply admit that they have to get the ball more to McLaurin. Twice, he countered, saying they have to spread the ball around, keep playing their game, and keep moving forward.
The young man revealed he already feels strongly about this subject matter.
