As the Washington Commnders up for their 2024 season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8, the team is making significant adjustments at the most critical position on the field. With rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels set to make his highly anticipated NFL debut, the Commanders are turning to a revaped quarterback lineup following veteran Marcus Mariota’s injury.
Mariota, who was expected to provide experienced backup support, has been sidelined with a strained pectoral muscle. As a result, Washington has promoted Jeff Driskel to the backup role and activated undrafted rookie free agent Sam Hartman to the active roster. Driskel, who has spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns, signed a one-year, $1.125 million contract with the Commanders in April. His NFL career has been marked by struggles, holding a 1-11 record as a starter over the past eight seasons.
Hartman, who went undrafted in April, initially faced a tumultuous path. Released on August 26 but quickly signed to the practice squad, Hartman now finds himself on the active roster. His journey is a testament to his perseverance and talent, having starred at Wake Forest before transferring to Notre Dame. There, he capitalized on lucrative NIL deals, including endorsements from major brands like Google and Under Armour, which helped extend his college career.
Hartman’s College Success and NFL Projection
Hartman’s college career was distinguished by impressive performances. In 2021, he threw for 4,228 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions at Wake Forest, adding 364 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Despite a standout college career and potential as a Day 3 NFL draft pick, Hartman’s projection was tempered by concerns over his physical traits and consistency.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein highlighted Hartman’s competitive nature and improvisational skills but noted his limitations in physical attributes and turnover issues. “Solidly built but shorter, Hartman plays with a competitive temperament but a lack of consistency,” Zierlein wrote. “He can play inside structure, but at heart, he’s an improv-oriented passer. … There are flashes on tape that can be compelling, but his lack of physical traits and high turnover totals during his career could limit him into a role as an average backup.”
Jayden Daniels: The Commanders’ New Hope
The real story for the Commanders lies with Jayden Daniels, who is poised to become the face of the franchise. The second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Daniels won the Heisman Trophy at LSU and beat out Mariota for the starting role during training camp. His entry into the NFL is generating significant excitement, with analysts and fans alike eager to see if he can live up to the hype.
Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus lauded Daniels as a beacon of hope for the Commanders. “Daniels enters the NFL as one of the best athletes at the quarterback position,” Wasserman wrote. “He led all FBS quarterbacks in overall grade and rushing yards last season while finishing second in passing grade. … The Commanders finally have a franchise quarterback.”
Daniels’ remarkable college performance, including leading in rushing yards and maintaining a career 1.6% turnover-worthy play rate, suggests he could transform the Commanders’ fortunes. His debut will be closely watched as he steps into a role that could define his career and the trajectory of the team.
There is no better player in the country than Jayden Daniels.
85 yards TO THE HOUSE. The moment. pic.twitter.com/e0ug9gYr1E
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) November 12, 2023
A New Era for the Commanders
With Daniels at the helm, the Commanders are embarking on a new era. While the quarterback room undergoes significant changes, the team’s success this season will hinge on how well Daniels adapts to the professional level and whether the supporting cast can step up in critical moments. As Washington prepares for its season opener, all eyes will be on the rookie quarterback, whose performance could set the tone for the Commanders’ future.
