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The Washington Commanders will take on the New England Patriots on Sunday, August 25 in Washington, D.C., the final game before rookie number two overall pick Jayden Daniels' expected debut as starting quarterback.
On Friday, reporter Nicki Jhabvala revealed Coach Dan Quinn and the Commanders' plans for Daniels on Sunday, a surprising development considering the gravity of the situation. According to Jhabvala, Daniels will not play on Sunday.
The Commanders lost their previous two preseason games to the Cowboys, Jets and Dolphins, respectively, highlighting the importance of ending the preseason on a high note for a team that is used to finding itself in the ‘L' column.
Sunday's game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET.
Commanders' regular season outlook
The Commanders have an unenviable road task against defending AFC South champions Tampa Bay in Week One of the 2024 NFL season. The road contest will take place at 4:25 p.m. on September 8, marking the first start for last year's Heisman Trophy winner Daniels.
How this game plays out could set the tone for the season, making Daniels' focus and film study leading up to it absolutely paramount.
Commanders' offense could surprise
Daniels has an intriguing lineup of proven players and rookies surrounding him on offense along with potential breakout stars like Brian Robinson, Jr. at running back. Austin Ekeler will add depth and veteran leadership at the position.
At wide receiver, Terry McLaurin is expected to become Daniels' go-to guy while Luke McCaffrey is fighting for playing time as a lightning quick rookie out of Rice University. Veteran tight end Zach Ertz could give Daniels a security blanket over the middle while rookie tight end Ben Sinnott from Kansas State has the NFL size, athleticism and strength to contribute immediately as both a receiver and a blocker.
Ultimately, the Commanders' non-QBs must support Jayden Daniels with every fiber of their being. The LSU rookie has the talent to make waves in year one but he is going to need all hands on deck to turn in anything close to a winning season in year one with a young Commanders team.
