The NFL community is abuzz as the Washington Commanders' rookie quarterback, Daniels, takes the league by storm. With the team preparing for a crucial matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, speculation runs high that Daniels could be ranked as the eighth-best rookie in NFL history if the Commanders fall short. This potential ranking places him in an elite group of players who have left an indelible mark in their debut seasons.
Daniels' performance thus far has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest rookie seasons ever witnessed. Future Hall of Famer Joe Theismann, who finished third in MVP voting in 1983, serves as a benchmark for excellence. Similarly, Taylor, the Defensive Player of the Year, holds a higher rank than Daniels on the list, showcasing the caliber required to achieve such distinction.
Among those considered for the best rookie season, Kearse's debut remains noteworthy despite his inability to maintain that level in subsequent years. Meanwhile, Marino's rookie campaign saw him complete 69% of his passes, throwing 25 touchdowns against nine interceptions, setting a high bar for future quarterbacks.
Stroud's impressive performance in 2022 saw him receive four fifth-place votes in the AP MVP voting. His 116 Cmp%+ was the third-best rate in league history for a rookie, following Prescott and Griffin. Such accolades underscore the challenge Daniels faces in surpassing these records.
Allen's nine-game season in 1988 presents a unique case when comparing other players. Moss, with one of the greatest big-play seasons as a rookie, finished third in MVP balloting, while Ronnie Lott, despite receiving an MVP vote in 1981, did not clinch Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The Commanders, under Daniels' leadership, are undergoing a multiseason turnaround with Dan Quinn as head coach and Adam Peters as general manager. This strategic alignment has been pivotal in shaping Daniels' promising debut. ESPN's QBR data further highlights Daniels' prowess, ranking him third among rookies with a QBR of 70.5, just behind Dak Prescott and Russell Wilson.
Leave a Reply