Jayden Daniels began his rookie season with a dazzling display of accuracy and versatility, completing 75.3% of his throws over the first six games. Known for his impressive dual-threat capabilities, Daniels demonstrated an adept blend of passing and rushing that captivated fans and analysts alike. During this initial stretch, he threw for an average of 8.46 yards per attempt, indicating his proficiency in advancing the ball downfield effectively.
Throughout these games, Daniels accounted for six touchdown passes and was intercepted just twice, showcasing his ability to maintain composure and precision even under pressure. Complementing his passing prowess, Daniels also excelled as a runner. He accumulated 322 rushing yards at 5.11 yards per carry, translating his athleticism into an additional five touchdowns on the ground.
A Challenging Turn
The momentum of Daniels' early success hit an obstacle with a rib injury in Week 7, limiting his participation to only two pass attempts that game. Despite returning to action the following week against the Bears, his performance marked the beginning of a challenging period. While he completed 20 of his 37 attempts for a noteworthy 274 yards, it signaled a decline from his previous stellar form.
As the season progressed, this decline became more pronounced. Washington's offensive efficiency took a significant dip, with their Expected Points Added (EPA) per play dropping from third to a staggering 29th over three weeks. Daniels' completion rate saw a considerable decrease to 61.5%, and his average yards per attempt fell to 6.42. This regression also reflected in his touchdown-interception ratio, as he recorded three of each in recent games.
Impact of Supporting Cast
Earlier in the season, four of Daniels' receivers boasted Top 25 Separation Scores, effectively assisting in his early success. Washington also ranked in the top 10 for Yards After Catch (YAC) per reception, averaging an impressive 5.6 yards. These elements contributed to an initial Adjusted Completion Rate of 80.5% for Daniels before it decreased to 73.3% amid the offensive struggles.
A tangible shift was observed in the depth of passes attempted by Daniels. The average depth of target lessened from 7.8 yards to 6.1 yards, correlating with the broader challenges the offense faced. Meanwhile, the pressure on Daniels soared, with his pressure-to-sack rate elevating to 27.3%, marking the sixth highest in the NFL.
Comparative Struggles and Glimpses of Recovery
Striking a contrast with elite quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes maintained a Big-Time Throw rate of 3.0%, slightly above Daniels' recent metric of 2.8%. Yet, glimpses of resilience were evident. In Week 12 against the Cowboys, Daniels demonstrated his potential for a comeback, with 187 of his 275 passing yards occurring in the game's final 5:04.
The fluctuating performances of Daniels throughout his rookie campaign reveal both an admirable ceiling and challenges to overcome. From a promising start to navigating the hurdles of injury and form, Daniels' journey encapsulates the ups and downs typical of an NFL rookie quarterback finding his footing. The evolution of his game will inevitably be pivotal for both his personal growth and the future ambitions of the team he leads.