Jayden Daniels has delivered a record-breaking rookie season in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL, outshining fellow LSU alumnus Joe Burrow and steering the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1991. Despite initial doubts about his draft class position, Daniels showcased remarkable talent throughout the 2024 season, solidifying his status as a standout quarterback.
Comparing Daniels and Burrow’s Early NFL Careers
Joe Burrow, known for his outstanding college career at LSU—including winning the Heisman Trophy and a national championship—entered the NFL with high expectations after being selected first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, a knee injury limited his rookie season with the Cincinnati Bengals to just 10 games, during which he threw for 2,688 yards and 13 touchdowns with an 89.8 passer rating. Burrow rebounded impressively in his second year, becoming one of the league’s most prolific young quarterbacks.
In contrast, Jayden Daniels began the 2024 season without the fanfare that greeted Burrow, as many analysts favored Caleb Williams as the top quarterback prospect in their draft. Nevertheless, Daniels quickly disproved these assumptions by leading the Commanders to a strong 7-2 start by Week 9, demonstrating his ability to perform at an elite level early in his career.
Statistical Milestones and Team Success
Daniels concluded his inaugural season with 3,568 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 891 rushing yards, and six rushing touchdowns, all while maintaining an impressive 100.1 passer rating. His dynamic performance powered Washington to their first postseason appearance since 2020. During the playoffs, Daniels not only broke Andrew Luck’s rookie record for most offensive yards including postseason but also orchestrated a stunning upset over the top-seeded Detroit Lions, securing the Commanders’ return to the NFC Championship.
This achievement holds historical significance, as the franchise had not reached this stage since the Cold War era, symbolizing a major milestone for the team and Daniels’ extraordinary impact in his debut season.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Championship Aspirations
Entering the 2025 season at just 24 years old, Jayden Daniels aims to continue his promising career trajectory by attempting to join Joe Burrow in reaching the Super Bowl during their sophomore seasons. Unlike Burrow, Daniels must navigate the challenge of competing in a conference that includes the reigning Super Bowl champions, adding difficulty to his quest.
Both quarterbacks have firmly established themselves as two of the finest products to emerge from LSU in recent years, but the stakes are higher than ever. Their careers now hinge on championship success, which for one may come at the expense of the other, given the competitive nature of the NFL.
In a league marked by fierce competition, these former Tigers have risen to the top of their profession, embodying resilience and determination in their pursuit of football excellence.