Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders have scored the most points in the NFL this season, with the rookie quarterback impressing by both passing and running. Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are close behind, as the two-time MVP follows a similar approach.
They will meet on Sunday in an exciting matchup featuring Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks leading high-scoring offenses, each looking to make their own mark rather than being compared to one another.
“I don’t like when people really try to compare me to Lamar and vice versa,” Daniels said. “I want to be known as Jayden Daniels and not the next such and such.”
Jackson described Daniels as “his own player, his own man” and mentioned that they are “just trying to make a name for ourselves.”
This weekend in Baltimore marks their first professional encounter. The Commanders are on a four-game winning streak, bringing their record to 4-1, while the Ravens have won three straight to improve to 3-2. This matchup is highlighted as both quarterbacks are experiencing success at the same time.
“It’s kind of the first time we’ve had one of these matchups where it’s two quarterbacks that are really having a lot of success and kind of similar in a way,” said veteran running back Austin Ekeler, who is in his first season with Washington.
“These guys are dynamic runners. Jayden obviously is new to the NFL, coming into the scene, but Lamar has had a lot of respect, so I’m excited for this matchup.”
There are many reasons for the comparisons, including their similar playing styles and impressive stats. Jackson and Daniels are the only two players in NFL history to average over 200 passing yards and more than 50 rushing yards throughout their careers, even though Jackson has been doing it since 2018 and Daniels has only played five games.
This season, Jackson has thrown for 1,206 yards, nine touchdowns, and one interception while rushing for 363 yards. Daniels, the No. 2 pick in the draft, has thrown for 1,135 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, completing a league-best 77.5% of his passes. He has also run for 300 yards and four touchdowns, catching Jackson’s attention several times.
“I’ve been catching glimpses of his play on social media and stuff like that, and he’s going off,” Jackson said. “He’s doing what we saw in college, what got him the Heisman.”
Despite the Commanders’ recent success, the Ravens are 6.5-point favorites, reflecting their status as Super Bowl contenders. Washington is still working toward that goal, but optimism is rising about their playoff chances. Daniels’ teammates are eager to see his next performance but want to ensure he doesn’t push himself too hard.