WASHINGTON — Yes, the Washington Commanders lost in the first game of the new era for the team. But there are reasons to remain hopeful. As the team looks toward the home opener against the New York Giants at the newly named Northwest Stadium, rookie Quarterback Jayden Daniels looks to improve.
The Commanders lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by double digits. The final score was 37-20. Despite the loss, Daniels became just the second quarterback in the history of the NFL to have more than 100 yards passing, more than 50 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns in his first career start.
The last person to do that was Dante Culpeper in the year 2000.
With 88 rushing yards total, he became the first QB in the history of the league to rush for more than 80 yards and two touchdowns in his debut game. He carried the ball 16 times in all. Was it too much?
"I think that's a question for the coaches," Daniels said. "I got down, got what I could get. The one hit on the goal line, that was nothing. I wasn't going to go down for that. I had to score."
Daniels went 17 of 24 passing for a completion percentage of 70.8% and a passer rating of 93.1.
Daniels' performance put him in the running for Rookie of the Week honors. Other players include Xavier Worthy, Brock Bowers, Brian Thomas, Malik Nabers and Jha'Quan Johnson.
Fans can vote for Daniels here.