Last night, Washington Commanders and the rest of the football world watched the Baltimore Ravens lose to the back-to-back defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, 27-20. Lamar Jackson scrambled around the pocket and launched a dart to hit Isaiah Likely in the back of the end zone. However, the play would be overturned after review.
This Sunday, the Commanders will open the season on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Washington will begin the new era under first-year head coach Dan Quinn and No.2 overall pick Jayden Daniels will take his first snaps as the franchise quarterback.
Almost our turn. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/45LgYYJacP
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 6, 2024
Jackson took his game to another level and looked confident in running the offense for the first time in a while. He finished the game with a completion rate of 63 percent, and he threw for 273 yards while throwing one touchdown.
Jackson remained in the pocket, handled the pressure well, and didn’t throw any interceptions. Daniels can learn from the reigning MVP who continues to take an unfair amount of criticism but takes it in stride while improving his craft yearly.
Here are a few things that Daniels can take away from Jackson’s Week 1 loss.
Lessons Jayden Daniels Can Take from Lamar Jackson, Ravens Season-Opening Loss
Commanders Lesson 1: Avoid Taking Unnecessary Hits
Despite Jackson’s impressive game, he welcomed contact far too many times. The NFL regular season consists of 17 games.
Daniels can put the Commanders in the best position to win by remaining healthy and available to play every week. He can impact the game with his feet and arm.
The No. 2 overall pick had a solid preseason throwing for 123 yards in the two games he’s played. Before teams can access film on the Commander’s quarterback, he will have opportunities to tuck the ball and run but he needs to slide or run out of balance.
Jackson has missed games in the past due to knee injuries and Robert Griffin III’s career took a turn for the worst after tearing his ACL.
Commanders Lesson 2: Watch the Footwork
The Commanders quarterback will have to sit in the pocket and make swift decisions as the offensive line gels together. He must avoid throwing off balance or off his back foot and step into his passes.
Washington’s offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will need to throw in screen actions or rollouts to ensure that Daniels can get into a rhythm.
QB1 days away@JayD__5 | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/g9JMMTG2T7
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 3, 2024
There will be times when Daniels will be under pressure, and he will need to step up to make an accurate throw.
Washington will have a tough task against the Buccaneers who upset the Philadelphia Eagles last postseason.
Commanders Lesson 3: Let Your Receivers Cook
Unlike Jackson, the Commanders’ rookie quarterback has weapons on the outside. He will have a security blanket in Zach Ertz, a deep threat in Terry McLaurin, and Olamide Zaccheaus.
Daniels will need to trust his receivers and allow them to make plays. This is his rookie season, and he will make mistakes.
Offense rocking burgundy jerseys at practice 👀@NWFCU | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/VC1Nn5oT5x
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 5, 2024
The LSU product must lead his receivers and strike while the iron is hot. OC Kingsbury will make sure that he gives a mixed amount of play calls to keep the defense guessing. However, it will be up to the rookie quarterback to ensure he gets the ball out quickly.
Daniels has a strong arm and can throw on the run. However, he needs to work on his consistency. Often, he gets lackadaisical throughout the game which can be crucial in the NFL.
Main Image: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
