Washington Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels wasted no time getting down to business in his NFL debut on Saturday.
The former LSU star was drafted No. 2 overall earlier this year after being named the Heisman Trophy winner on the back of a stellar campaign with the Tigers.
He overthrew his first pass to running back Austin Ekeler, having lined up against the New York Jets. But his second throw was a thing of beauty as he found wide receiver Dyami Brown with a 42-yard fade ball on a 3rd-and-6.
Check it out in the video below:
Jayden Daniels launches it DEEP on his second throw
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Social media was hyped about the pass, and many fans are already convinced the rookie will be a stud for Washington this season.
“What a throw!” one exclaimed.
“He’s going to be great,” wrote another.
“My god what a throw,” said a third.
“He gone be better then Caleb,” a fourth declared.
“Jayden Daniels moving up people’s Fantasy Football draft boards as we speak,” someone else wrote.
“I’ve seen enough, my fantasy QB1,” a user stated.
“Wow! Dude could be great in the NFL. His confidence in the pocket and that deep ball. Looking forward to watching this dude ball,” another comment read.
Daniels ended the drive with a three-yard run to the end zone. The Commanders replaced him with Marcus Mariota after his excellent showing.
Jayden Daniels Has Perfected The Fade Pass
Jayden Daniels left many defenses frustrated with his fade balls while in college. According to Sports Info Solutions, he attempted 26 of them last season, with 13 finding their target for 280 yards and 11 touchdowns.
He was asked how he managed to consistently convert on what’s considered to be a low-percentage pass back in December.
“The slot fade — I would say that it’s just something we work with our offense and work with our receivers all season,” he told Athlon Sports.
“If we get man-on-man coverage, especially with the receivers I have, whether it’s Brian [Thomas Jr.], Kyren Lacy, or Malik Nabers, those guys are very explosive athletes. So, I’m trying to guide the ball and throw it perfectly — I’m going to throw it to a spot, and I know my receivers are going to get it, and they proved that all year long.”
It appears Daniels will be rocking the fade in Washington, which could make for an exciting season.