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Jayden Daniels compared to Robert Griffin III, sets rookie passing record in debut against Bengals

Irishu
Jayden Daniels compared to Robert Griffin III, sets rookie passing record in debut against Bengals

Commanders rookie point guard Jayden Daniels has arrived.

The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner delivered his NFL debut in his prime, torching the Bengals with his dual-threat skills and leading Washington to an impressive 38-26 road victory.

Daniels has been the target of criticism for failing to score a goal in his first two games, a trend that continued in the first half against Cincinnati, although he continued to pressure the defense with his feet.

He ran for 39 yards on the night and cruised into the end zone in the second quarter to score his third rushing touchdown of the season.

Daniels finally scored his first touchdown in the third quarter, giving Washington a two-point lead when he found offensive lineman Trent Scott wide open in the end zone. The No. 2 overall pick saved his best throw for last, finishing the game with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin late in the fourth quarter.

For more on Daniels’ record-breaking debut night, check out The Sporting News’ coverage below.

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Jayden Daniels’ statistics today

  • Comp-Att: 21-23 (91.3%)
  • Passed Yds: 254
  • Passing TDs: 2
  • INTs: 0
  • Carries: 12
  • Rush Yds: 39
  • Quick TDs: 1

Jayden Daniels breaks NFL rookie QB completion percentage record

Daniels silenced all those who criticized his shooting abilities with his “Monday Night Football” performance.

The Commanders’ rookie quarterback completed 21 of 23 pass attempts, passing for 254 yards and two touchdowns.

His 91.3% completion percentage set a record for any NFL rookie quarterback to attempt at least 20 passes in a game.

At the most important moment of the match, Daniels performed surgical intervention.

Leading by five points with less than 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, the 23-year-old led Washington on a stunning 12-play, 70-yard drive that lasted more than seven minutes to give it the win.

He made his best shot of the night, sending a perfectly placed ball into McLaurin’s hands to secure the win.

27-yard touchdown pass was the ‘lowest-likely touchdown of the season’ According to NFL Next Gen Stats the probability of that piece being stolen.

It was an exclamation point on a historic night for Daniels, who had failed to score in his first two games.

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Jayden Daniels compares Robert Griffin III to rookie QB rushing record

Daniels was renowned for his speed and craftiness as a ball carrier at LSU, and like most running quarterbacks, scouts doubted that skill would transfer to the next level.

Daniels has left no doubt through his first three games that he can still be a dual threat at the NFL level.

His 171 rushing yards were within striking distance of former Redskins star Robert Griffin III’s (198) record for most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback through his first three games.

Rank Actor Year Set Hurry Yards
1. Robert Griffin III 2012 Indians 198
2. Jayden Daniels 2024 Commanders 171
3. Charlie Bulk 1998 Lions 160

He scored another easy run goal in this contest, Remained untouched as he dove into the end zone.

RGIII said he liked what he saw from Washington’s new quarterback, tweeting praise for Daniels throughout the night.

His first post about the rookie point guard said it all.

Jayden Daniels and Robert Griffin III’s stats through three games

Griffin is known for having one of the best rookie quarterback seasons in NFL history.

He earned the 2012 AP Rookie of the Year award with 3,200 yards passing and 20 touchdowns, along with 815 yards rushing and 7 touchdowns.

Griffin threw just five interceptions all year and led the NFL with a 1.3 interception percentage. He led the Redskins to the playoffs in his first season, losing to the Seahawks in the wild card round.

Take a look at how Daniels’ first three games of his rookie season compare to Griffin’s first three games of his epic career.

Jayden Daniels Robert Griffin III
2024 Year 2012
2-1 Record 1-2
80.3 Cmp Percent. 67.4
664 Late Yds 747
2 Skip TDs 4
0 INTs 1
171 Hurry Yards 198
3 Rush TDs 3