The Washington Commanders are quickly becoming one of the NFL’s most compelling storylines — not just because of their strong finish last season, but due to a bold new belief taking root in league circles. With quarterback Jayden Daniels entering his second season, insiders like Adam Schefter and Booger McFarland are voicing unprecedented optimism.
Jayden Daniels Sparks Talk of Commanders Becoming NFL’s Gold Standard
During a recent segment on ESPN, McFarland emphasized the transformation that often occurs between a quarterback’s rookie and sophomore campaigns.
.@AdamSchefter and @ESPNBooger talk about how Jayden Daniels and the Commanders are building toward a championship 📈
“We’re talking about Washington being a model NFL franchise. … This is the type of universe we’re now living in.” pic.twitter.com/f0Yr3qTgGv
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 4, 2025
“In the NFL and football in general, there’s an old saying that you make your biggest jump from year one to year two,” he said. That expected leap — in reading defenses, controlling tempo, and making quick decisions — is at the center of Washington’s rising confidence.
Daniels ended his rookie year with a 71 total QBR, which already placed him in rare company among first-year quarterbacks. His poised demeanor and ability to stay calm under pressure caught the attention of both analysts.
McFarland pointed out that Daniels played with such maturity last season, and now, “his ability to play so calm and so patient and so poised last year is going to be taken to another level.”
The optimism is not just about Daniels’ talent — it’s about what his presence unlocks for the franchise. With him at the helm, McFarland said, “You’re talking about a team that could have one of the elite quarterbacks in the National Football League. And when you have one of those guys that gives you an opportunity to win a championship.”
Schefter echoed this sentiment with a striking comparison that underscores how far Washington has come. “We’re talking about Washington being a model NFL franchise. … This is the type of universe we’re now living in.”
That may sound hyperbolic, but last season’s success backs it up. The Commanders reached the NFC Championship Game, defeating top teams like the Detroit Lions en route. That run didn’t appear to be a fluke — it was a signal of potential sustainability. The team has made savvy moves in the offseason, including adding Deebo Samuel Sr. to complement Terry McLaurin.
On his part, Daniels isn’t taking anything for granted. “I’m sitting down and watching film and trying to eliminate some tendencies, as much as possible,” he told Yahoo Sports. He’s actively working with the coaching staff to fine-tune his game, making it clear that he’s driven to ascend even further.
With an improving defense, a dynamic receiving corps, and a young quarterback mature beyond his years, Washington is no longer a rebuilding team. If Daniels continues his upward trajectory, this could indeed be the dawn of the “model franchise” era in the nation’s capital.