Cam Newton, former NFL quarterback, reacted sharply to Ryan Clark’s recent critique of his doubts about Jayden Daniels possibly being a one-season star. Clark took issue with Newton’s comparison of Daniels, a young quarterback, to Robert Griffin III, implying Newton was unfairly targeting Daniels despite his promising career. Daniels has been praised for leading his team effectively, staying focused, and working hard.
Newton addressed the criticism during his “Hot Take of the Week” segment on Wednesday, making it clear he will not alter his analysis simply because a player maintains a clean public image.
“Same Cam that Jayden Daniels gets, is the same Cam that RGIII gets, is the same Cam that Shannon Sharpe gets, Stephen A. (Smith) gets, Molly Qerim gets,” he said. “I don’t switch up. I love LeBron James, but that doesn’t mean I ain’t gon’ talk about Bronny.”
“Nobody is above critique if you play the game of football or any sport. Just because he’s a model citizen, we can’t critique his game? I find that mighty strange. I still have to do my due diligence and as a member of the media to voice my opinion. Would you? You wanna play it safe? Safe don’t get you nowhere. It gets you cut.”
These remarks highlight Newton’s refusal to soften his commentary in the face of public backlash, emphasizing his commitment to candid sports analysis regardless of player reputation.
Examining Jayden Daniels’ 2024 Season Performance
Jayden Daniels completed his 2024 season as the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders across all 17 games, securing a 12-5 win-loss record. During this period, Daniels threw 331 passes accumulating 3,568 yards, with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His strong rookie campaign was recognized when he received the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Despite the impressive statistics and accolades, critics like Newton remain cautious about predicting long-term success for Daniels based on one powerful season.
Insight Into Newton’s Remarks About Jayden Daniels
On Wale’s “Funky Friday” show, Newton questioned whether Daniels might follow the trajectory of a player like Robert Griffin III, who showed immense promise during his rookie year but was hindered by injuries thereafter. Newton reflected on the excitement surrounding RGIII’s impact, comparing it to Daniels and C.J. Stroud’s early potential.
“I’mma said it in this way. There’s nobody who had the game in a chokehold like Robert Griffin III,” Newton said. “I’ve never admitted this, and I’m just speaking my truth. Robert Griffin III’s impact his rookie season, it was almost like a C.J. Stroud-Jayden Daniels. It was extremely exciting.”
“It was after my rookie year, RGIII comes in and it was like, ‘Hold up. He’s next.’ And then injuries happened and the rest is history.”
This comparison draws attention to the uncertainty surrounding young quarterbacks’ development, highlighting the challenge of sustaining early success.
The Broader Context of Quarterback Development and Critique
The narrative around Jayden Daniels captures the tension between celebrating rookie success and remaining skeptical about future performance. C.J. Stroud’s recent experience with the sophomore slump exemplifies the potential hurdles young quarterbacks face. Daniels appears to possess the skills and work ethic needed to continue improving, but critiques like Newton’s reflect an underlying anxiousness in the sports community about consistency and durability.
Newton’s willingness to critique Daniels alongside other notable figures reaffirms the media’s role in holding athletes accountable and fostering critical discussion, even when it creates uneasy or tense exchanges among former players and analysts.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What injury did Jayden Daniels suffer?
A. Daniels got hurt in his ribs during Washington’s first drive and later couldn’t continue playing. Marcus Mariota took over, completing 18 of 23 passes. He threw for 205 yards and two touchdowns, guiding his team to a 40-7 victory with six scoring drives.
Q. Are Jayden Daniels parents?
A. Information on Jayden Daniels’ Family: Meet Javon Daniels and Regina Jackson.
Q. What injury did Jayden Daniels have?
A. Daniels hurt his ribs during Washington’s first play and was later confirmed unable to continue.
Q. Who is Jayden Daniels dad?
A. Daniels’ father, Javon “Jay” Daniels, played college football as a cornerback for the Washington Huskies and the Iowa State Cyclones during the late 1990s. His mother, Regina Jackson, manages his business affairs and became an NFLPA-certified agent in 2024. Daniels also has an older sister named Bianca.