Following what was statistically one of the greatest seasons by a rookie quarterback the NFL has ever seen, expectations are sky-high for Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. But what usually follows a breakout rookie year in pro sports is something known as the “sophomore slump.”
Many in the football world believe Daniels could be the next NFL star to face a second-year regression. Still, amid all the talk of a drop-off for the new face of the Commanders franchise, a former NFL quarterback who spent two seasons in Washington has stepped up in Daniels’ corner.
Jayden Daniels Drawing Big Expectations After Commanders’ Stunning 2024 Run
Rex Grossman, a former NFL quarterback who played nine seasons, including two with Washington, had strong praise for the Commanders’ rising star.
After a 2024 campaign where Daniels earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and led the surprise Commanders to the NFC Championship Game, Grossman was asked what he expects from the second-year QB in 2025.
“I don’t see (regression). The best thing that he’s got going for him is his throwing ability. He’s got a strong arm, he’s accurate, and he’s got touch. He’s got the full package in throwing the ball. And it seems like he understands the game pretty well.”
Daniels threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns in his incredible rookie season.
“He doesn’t need to rely on running, but, man, if you don’t contain him, he’s gone. I expect him to have a great year and, if he just repeats what he did last year, it’ll be a great year.”
Grossman also highlighted Daniels’ running ability — and rightfully so. The rookie rushed for 891 yards and six touchdowns, establishing himself as a true dual threat, drawing comparisons to Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson.
Can Daniels Avoid the Sophomore Slump?
While doubters tend to trail greatness, the Commanders organization is all in on Daniels. That became clear when the front office traded for former All-Pro Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers, adding a big-time weapon to support their franchise quarterback.
Plenty of people question whether Daniels can match his rookie year performance, but the former No. 2 overall pick has no plans to slow down. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury believes Daniels could take a leap in Year 2.
Kliff Kingsbury on Jayden Daniels: I expect him to take a big jump in 2025. https://t.co/a4fYbjetEZ pic.twitter.com/H9yUn16djp
— Steven Breech (@steviebreech) May 29, 2025
Repeating a rookie campaign that shattered expectations won’t be easy, but it’s what Washington is counting on to keep pace in a loaded NFC East. Escaping a division with the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and the retooled Dallas Cowboys won’t be a walk in the park.
Still, Daniels has raised the standard in Washington. As he enters Year 2, with talk of a slump looming, Daniels is focused on pushing that bar even higher.
The Commanders are chasing revenge against the Eagles, who bounced them from the NFC title game on their way to a Super Bowl win. But that shot at redemption only comes if Daniels and Washington keep rising as one of the NFL’s most entertaining and surprising teams.
Will the sophomore slump catch up to the Offensive Rookie of the Year and derail the Commanders in 2025? Or is up the only direction for Jayden Daniels?