The Washington Commanders will start training camp in July, the rookies will report on the 18th and the veterans will report on the 23rd. Washington’s training camp will occur at the OrthoVirginia Training Camp Center at Commanders Park in Ashburn, VA.
Washington’s quarterback room is one topic of discussion for the franchise with the 2024-25 season approaching. The current quarterback depth chart features Marcus Mariota, Sam Hartman, Jeff Driskel, and Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders will enter the new season with new head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. In 2023, Kingsbury was the senior offensive analyst for USC and worked closely with Caleb Williams who was drafted No.1 overall by the Chicago Bears.
USC finished last season averaging 41.58 points per game and Williams threw for 3,633 yards and 30 touchdowns. With a new offensive coordinator, the team will be challenged with selecting the right quarterback for the franchise’s current state. Fans, critics, and analysts believe that Daniels will start sooner rather than later but is starting him in week one the right move?
Here are three reasons why the Commanders shouldn’t start Daniels’ Week 1.
The Commanders Should Start Marcus Mariota in Week 1
Commanders – Veteran Leader
Starting Daniels week one may be the move Washington fans are looking for but it wouldn’t be the right one. Week one the franchise should start Mariota because of his veteran experience. His numbers may not jump off the page but last year, he played three games where he threw 15-of-23 with a 59.9 completion rating.
Despite the low numbers last season, it makes sense because of his limited role as the backup quarterback on the Philadelphia Eagles behind Jalen Hurts. With the Commanders, the Oregon product will serve as a leader in the QB room and with the team.
Daniels will be the future starting QB, but the team shouldn’t rush to put him on the field. The offense will need to adjust to the spread offense that Kingsbury may run which can be a lot for a rookie QB to run out the gate. While coaching the Arizona Cardinals, Kingsbury’s offense focused strongly on the pass which took away from the run game.
The 6-foot-4 quarterback will be able to test out the new offense and mentor Daniels.
Kliff Kingsbury Spread Offense
Before playing with the Eagles in 2023, the 30-year-old quarterback played with the Atlanta Falcons. In 2022, he was the starter for Atlanta and ended the season throwing for 2,219 yards. He threw 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Mariota started 15 games in 2022 and ended the season with an injury. His numbers were not the best during that season but he did great considering the inconsistent offensive play-calling. Kingsbury will run a similar offense to what Mariota ran at Oregon.
The 2015 draft pick will be able to get the ball out quickly and he will have plenty of weapons to throw to. Washington’s receiving core will be led by Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Kingsbury will have his work cut out for him. However, with an experienced dual-threat QB, he will be able to create a competitive scheme.
The former Eagle has seen success, experienced downfall, and knows how to lead a locker room. The Commanders need to change by building better habits, exuding consistency, and bringing a winning culture.
