The Washington Commanders have found their franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels. From Week 1, the rookie from LSU looked like a seasoned pro. He’s a big reason why the Commanders are at 9-5 through Week 15 and are in a good spot to clinch a playoff berth. Having that record also earned him nine Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week awards.
That count ties him with former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for most awards by a single player. It didn’t take long for Daniels to introduce himself in the NFL, as he earned that award in Week 1. While the Commanders lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Daniles had 184 passing yards, 88 rushing yards, and two touchdowns.
.@JayD__5 has officially tied the record for most Rookie of the Week awards @pepsi | #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/juduRg0JUs
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 19, 2024
He also won Rookie of the Week honors in Weeks 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9. Throughout that stretch, the Commanders went 5-1. He could have added Week 7 to his collection but was unavailable due to a rib injury. Daniels won the same award in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans and Week 15 versus the New Orleans Saints.
Through 14 games, Daniels has completed 70.5 percent of his throws (277 of 393) for 3,045 yards and 17 touchdowns. The second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft added 119 carries for 656 yards and six touchdowns. With three regular-season games remaining, Daniels has a good chance of breaking Roethlisberger’s record.
-Lance Fernandez