Jayden Daniels or C.J. Stroud: The Best Rookie Quarterback Season Ever?
As the Commanders prepare to face the top-seeded Lions in the NFC divisional round, it’s time to discuss the impressive rookie season of quarterback Jayden Daniels. With his historic rookie season, Daniels is being considered the front-runner for the rookie of the year award. But is he the best rookie quarterback season ever? Let’s dive in and compare his season to last year’s top pick, C.J. Stroud.
Daniels has earned praise for his game-winning drive against the Buccaneers in the NFC wild card, securing Washington’s first divisional-round appearance in 19 years. He’s also the first rookie starting quarterback to win a road playoff game since 2012. Daniels has been praised by many as having the best rookie quarterback season ever, a year after many said the same about Stroud.
Comparing the two, it’s clear they both have impressive seasons. Daniels has led Washington to 13 wins, including the playoffs, while Stroud led the Texans to 10 wins. Daniels’ pass completion percentage is higher, but Stroud’s statistics are more impressive in many traditional categories, such as passing yards and touchdowns. The two also have different strengths, with Daniels being a dual-threat quarterback who can also run the ball effectively, while Stroud is a traditional pocket passer who can scramble when needed.
In terms of clutch performances, Daniels is ahead, with five game-winning drives and five fourth-quarter comebacks, while Stroud had two game-winning drives and one fourth-quarter comeback. However, both players have shown an ability to perform in the biggest moments, with Daniels’ Hail Mary pass and game-winning score against the Bears and Eagles, and Stroud’s performance in a game-winning drive against the Buccaneers in Week 9 of last season.
Ultimately, the edge goes to Daniels, but not by much. He has a chance to make history by becoming the fifth rookie quarterback to start a conference championship game since the NFL merger. Daniels’ ability to lead the Commanders to the playoffs and his impressive dual-threat abilities make him stand out as a rookie quarterback making history.