Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 26: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders warms up prior to the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels steps into his second NFL season with high expectations, but history proves he should embrace the challenge rather than fear a slump. Critics often warn of the dreaded sophomore slump for young quarterbacks, yet some of the league’s most dynamic playmakers have turned year two into the launchpad of their greatness.
Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson are perfect examples. Both men entered their sophomore campaigns with questions about whether their dazzling rookie flashes could hold up. Instead, Mahomes exploded for over 5000 passing yards and 50 touchdowns in 2018, securing league MVP honors. The very next season, Jackson transformed the Baltimore Ravens offense into an unstoppable force, throwing for 36 touchdowns and rushing for over 1200 yards en route to his own MVP trophy.
Other Hall of Fame signal callers who have won MVP Trophies in their second season include Dan Marino of the Miami Dolphins (1984) and Kurt Warner of the St. Louis Rams (1999).
#NFL #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/1cj4gioptG
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewisJr) September 3, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Daniels shares many of the same qualities that made Mahomes and Jackson thrive in their second year. He has elite athleticism, a strong arm, and the ability to keep defenses guessing on every snap. With his dynamic playstyle, Daniels is not a candidate for regression, but rather an emerging star ready to take over games.
When asked by NFL Insider Lake Lewis Jr about the narrative of the so-called sophomore slump following practice, Daniels stayed focused on team success. “I’m going out there trying to be the best version of myself. I don’t really look at individual accolades, if we’re winning football games, those come hopefully. So, I’m trying to do whatever it takes to win.”
Supporting Cast and System Built for Growth
The Commanders have surrounded Daniels with the pieces to succeed in year two. A creative offensive system designed to maximize his dual-threat skill set gives him the freedom to play instinctively while still making progress as a passer. Washington invested in strengthening the offensive line by trading for Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil and drafting in the first round, tackle Josh Conerly Jr. They added versatile wideout Deebo Samuel to pair with franchise great Terry McLaurin, and emphasized continuity in coaching. These are all factors that often decide whether a young quarterback soars or struggles.
Daniels has already proven that the big stage does not rattle him. In his rookie season, he demonstrated poise under pressure and resilience when defenses tried to confuse him. That mental edge is crucial because the so-called sophomore slump is rarely about talent. More often, it comes down to how well a quarterback adapts once defenses build a year of film to study. Mahomes and Jackson answered that challenge with creativity and relentless work, and Daniels appears wired the same way.
Why Daniels Can Be the Next Breakout Star
The NFL thrives on stories of young stars rising quickly to elite status. Daniels has all the qualities to be that next headline. If Mahomes and Jackson could silence doubts and dominate the league in their second seasons, there is every reason to believe Daniels can chart a similar path.
Washington fans are craving a face of the franchise who can deliver not just wins but excitement. Daniels embodies that potential. His speed can break games open, his accuracy is already top-notch, and his leadership resonates in the locker room. A sophomore slump may be a common narrative, but in this case, it feels more like fiction than fate.
Daniels is built for growth, not regression. He stands on the same trajectory that turned Mahomes and Jackson into MVPs, and if he follows their path, the Commanders could witness a breakout season that redefines the franchise’s future.