Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels

The 2024 NFL season witnessed the emergence of a new star in the league—Washington Commanders' rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. After being drafted in the first round, Daniels quickly became one of the most talked-about players in the league. His dynamic playing style, incredible poise, and leadership abilities helped the Commanders reach new heights and ultimately earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Here’s a look back at five pivotal moments that defined Daniels' extraordinary rookie season and solidified his place among the league’s brightest young talents.

5. Week 15: Jayden Daniels Stumbles In Nola but Strikes with McLaurin

In the first quarter of the game, the Commanders had first and goal as Jayden It was second-and-goal at the 16-yard line as Daniels scrambled to his left to avoid pressure from Bryan Bresee. He stumbled, which may have been the end of the play for almost any other quarterback. Instead, Daniels regained his composure, stepped up and launched a pass to the end zone.

It wasn't exactly clear who his target was on the play, as McLaurin and Brian Robinson Jr. were in same area in the endzone. Either way, it was a pass into heavy traffic, where McLaurin is at his best, and hauled in the catch between 2 defenders for the first score of the game.

Highlight: 25 completions on 31 attempts for 226 yards, 2 touchdowns.

4. Week 16: OT Touchdown Pass to Zach Ertz for the Win

A home game, the Falcons had decided to start Michael Penix Jr., to see what they had in the rookie. He proved that he will be a solid starter in the NFL. But this game belonged to Jayden Daniels. With the game in OT, the Commanders have the ball, Daniels takes the offense down on the first possession of OT and throws a tight window pass to TE Zach Ertz on an in route across the goal line for the winning score. Ertz, was a consistent pass catcher for Daniels all season long.

Not only did it seal the win, but it kept the playoff chances alive with a win against the Cowboys in the final game of the season.

Highlight: 24 of 36 for 266 yards passing, 3 TD's and 1 INT, but 127 yards rushing on 16 carries.

3. NFC Divisional Playoff: Taming the Lions

Detroit had been a juggernaut all season long with a record of 15-2 and the overall 1 seed in the NFL playoff brackets. Washington came into Detroit as a 9.5 underdog but the Commanders had other plans. Daniels had himself a near perfect game with a 28 point 2nd quarter which demoralized and deflated the Lions right before halftime. The defense created 5 turnovers but Daniels capitalized on those turnovers and lead to scoring drives for each one. Daniels was able to hit McLaurin on a bubble screen where he split two defenders and raced up the sideline for a 58 yard TD. Daniels was then able to find Zach Ertz for a 5 yard TD pass to cap off a 7 play 70 yard drive.

Highlight: 22 of 31 for 299 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and no turnovers.

2. Week 3: Game Winning TD to Terry McLaurin

In week 3, the Commanders went to Cincinnati to face the Bengals. All expectations were to be a high scoring game, which didn't disappoint. The Commanders went up 31-26 when on 3rd down and 7, Daniels, with a blitzer in his face, heaves a dime to Terry McLaurin over the shoulder into the bread basket where McLaurin comes down with a foot and knee in the endzone and puts the Commanders up 38-27 (XP included). Bengals scored late but, couldn't make up the 2 scores needed.

Highlight: 21-23, 254 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and a flawless performance in extreme conditions.

1. Week 8 : Rookie QB Showdown - "The Hail Mary"

Week 8 showcased a Sunday night game of the Chicago Bears against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Foreshadowing may have be prevalent, but no TD's had been scored the entire night. The score was 15-12 with :02 on the game clock. Daniels receives the snap and the Bears drop 8 into coverage. He runs out of the pocket to gain a little time for the receivers to get down and in position. from the 38 yard line of the Bears, Daniels heaves the ball toward the endzone, where, Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson hits the pile of players and tips the ball up and back. Right there waiting, was former Cowboys WR Noah Brown waiting for the ball to drop in his hands.

Highlight: 21 of 38, 332 Passing Yards, 1 TD

Conclusion: The 2024-2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year

Jayden Daniels’ rookie season with the Washington Commanders was nothing short of historic! His blend of arm strength, mobility, and leadership transformed the team and made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the NFL.

By the end of the season, Daniels had thrown for over 3500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. His combination of incredible statistical production and clutch moments earned him the well-deserved title of NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. His future in Washington looks incredibly bright, and Commanders fans have a lot to look forward to with their new star quarterback under center.