After a stunning rookie campaign that rewrote record books and lifted the Washington Commanders to heights not seen in decades, Jayden Daniels enters Year 2 with high expectations and the full confidence of his teammates.
Among those most excited for what’s ahead is veteran running back Austin Ekeler, who joined the Commanders in 2024 and has already become one of Daniels’ biggest believers.
Austin Ekeler Sees Growth for Washington’s 2025 Season
“He crushed it last year,” Ekeler said via SiriusXM NFL Radio. “When you start to see him kind of orchestrating out there, you could tell that there’s that growth. He starts to get more comfortable, and that allows him to even play more mentally faster and make better decisions.”
.@Commanders RB @AustinEkeler is excited to see what QB Jayden Daniels can do during the 2025 season after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year.
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– SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) June 23, 2025
Daniels had a truly remarkable rookie season. The former Heisman Trophy winner became the first rookie in NFL history to rush for over 800 yards and throw for more than 3,500, finishing with 3,568 passing yards and 891 rushing yards. He led the Commanders to a 12-5 record and their first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1991, throwing 25 touchdown passes, running for six more, and completing 69.0% of his throws.
Even though the Philadelphia Eagles, the eventual Super Bowl 59 champions, ended the Commanders’ postseason run, it was a significant turning point for the team. For the first time in years, Washington looks like a team on the rise, and Ekeler is sure that trend will continue.
“There’s even going to be more growth this year,” Ekeler emphasized, citing the continuity of Kliff Kingsbury’s offensive system and the familiarity Daniels now has with key weapons like wide receiver Terry McLaurin. “We still have a lot of playmakers. We still have to get Terry paid. Oh man, we are going to be looking like a powerhouse out there.”
The addition of All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., who was acquired this offseason to strengthen Daniels’ arsenal, is another exciting development. Once thought of as a work-in-progress, the Commanders are quickly shaping into one of the league’s most intriguing offensive threats.
Ekeler noted Daniels’ ability to command the huddle and assist rookies in assuming their positions. He also commended Daniels for taking the initiative as a vocal leader during offseason practices. Ekeler said that kind of development is uncommon for a guy at this stage of his career.
Daniels has already surpassed expectations as a breakout rookie and rising superstar, but his teammates believe he is only getting started. With talent, trust, and momentum building fast, the Commanders are no longer a feel-good story. In the NFC, they pose a significant threat, and Ekeler thinks the best is still to come.
