Looking back at the career of Robert Griffin III, it's fair to feel the need to pump the brakes on expectations for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. When it comes to the former Dallas Cowboys wide reciever, Dez Bryant, he's buying long-term stock into Daniels.
Bryan's comments came after the former NFL quarterback Cam Newton recently had a public discussion with the famous and outspoken Commanders fan, Wale, about the worry level for Daniels heading into year two. Is there a little fear there that Daniels might not be as good as advertised in year two? For some, a sophomore slump is a real possibility.
Admittedly, Wale is nervous as Daniels heads into his second season.
"You always fear... We've got PTSD of not winning for so long. We don't even know how to have good things," Wale said. "We don't know what it's like to be like, having five primetime games this year. We don't know! There's a reason why."
Newton chimed in with the reminder that Robert Griffin's first season under center for the Commanders had the NFL "in a chokehold." After that, most common football fans know what happened. Natural regression and injuries went into play. Griffin never lived up to the hype again.
The fact that Daniels is already a Pro Bowler and major award winner after one season means the bar is raised high. Can he meet those expectations? Dez Bryant thinks so.
"Jayden Daniels is here to stay," Bryant wrote on X.
"Nothing about how he plays the game of football shows he's a one hit wonder. Out of all athletic dual threat QBs who have played the game, Jayden Daniels reads the defense the best...He doesn't rely on his athletic ability, and that's what makes him dangerous..."
Washington put all of their trust in the 2024 second-overall pick last season. The 24-year-old played all 17 games during the regular season. He threw 480 passes and completed nearly 70 percent of them.
Daniels had over 3,500 yards in the air, tossing 25 touchdowns, to just nine interceptions. Being a multi-threat, Daniels rushed nearly 150 times. He produced 891 yards and scored six touchdowns.
In the playoffs, the rookie led the NFL in postseason passing yards and touchdowns, throwing 822 yards and five touchdowns. He helped lead the Commanders to the NFC Championship, where they came up short against the Philadelphia Eagles.
As long as Daniels can stay healthy, he has a good chance to avoid going the RGIII route.
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