The Washington Commanders went 5-12 last season, and star quarterback Jayden Daniels only appeared in seven games due to a range of injuries.
Now, he enters Year 3 looking to get back to the success he and the Commanders had during his rookie year in 2024, which saw them reach the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
On Sunday, they’ll face off against the Eagles on the road for a divisional Week 1 matchup scheduled to kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET.
Daniels Drops Blunt Quote Before Commanders-Eagles Game
It’s been a busy offseason for Daniels, who’s truly worked on himself and his game to prepare for this year, and he knows everything that happened last year and during his rookie season doesn’t matter anymore.
“What I did Year 1, what I did Year 2 doesn’t really matter,” Daniels said via The Washington Sun. “Now we’re onto Year 3. Whatever happens Sunday, that’s what people are going to talk about.”
Daniels’ Change in Physical Strength
Daniels focused on getting stronger this offseason, and he believes he accomplished that goal, even if people won’t give him credit for it.
He stands at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds and highlighted that his biggest form of criticism often comes from fans judging his overall size.
“I think it’s more so my build,” he said. “I’m heavier than a lot of people actually give me credit for. I’m just a taller, slender guy.”
Jayden Daniels said he put on “eight to 10 pounds” of muscle this offseason. You may not have noticed.
“I’m heavier than a lot of people actually give me credit for. I’m just a taller, slender guy.”https://t.co/tMbBUQ7xOJ
— Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) September 11, 2026
The Former Heisman Trophy Winner Just Wants to Win
While he’s still very young in this league, Daniels simply wants to win, and he doesn’t want to peak in Week 1 against Philadelphia. He wants to ascend as the season progresses.
“I don’t want to be my final product in Week 1,” Daniels added. “I just want to go out there and continue to just get better each and every day, each and every game and do whatever it takes to help the team win some football games.”
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Drops Blunt Quote Before Eagles Game