LANDOVER, Md. — Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels wore a diamond-studded No. 5 on a series round his neck as he addressed the media. For the previous 4 weeks, teammates say he has additionally worn an “S” on his chest as he helped construct a four-game successful streak.
“He got here in like Superman,” security Jeremy Reaves stated.
And even on a day when that cape was tugged, Daniels nonetheless managed to make performs that prompted teammates to go “Wow” as he helped the Commanders proceed an unbelievable begin. After a 34-13 win over Cleveland on Sunday, Washington improved to 4-1 for the primary time since 2008.
“We generally is a actually scary crew,” linebacker Bobby Wagner stated.
The Commanders have already matched their win complete from final season and have gained consecutive video games by a mixed 49 factors coming into their Week 6 recreation at Baltimore.
“The vibes in listed here are actually excessive,” receiver Terry McLaurin stated.
It has led to some gamers — who’ve endured one storm after one other throughout their Washington tenure — to nearly pinch themselves to verify it is actual. Many have been right here through the turbulent interval through which there have been a number of investigations into proprietor Dan Snyder and the tradition he created. Washington hasn’t had a successful season since 2016 — just one present participant, punter Tress Means, was on the roster that season. Followers deserted hope.
It is coming again. In droves.
Reaves, with the group since 2018, stated he advised teammate Jeremy Chinn, who signed with Washington within the offseason, “I do not even know the best way to course of this. It is by no means been like this right here. I used to be nonetheless in center faculty [in 2008].”
Or as defensive deal with Jon Allen, in his eighth season right here, stated of the in a single day change within the group, “It is night time and day.”
A superb chunk of that distinction stems from Daniels and what he has achieved in his first 5 video games. He turned the primary participant in NFL historical past to throw for greater than 1,000 yards and rush for no less than 250 in his first 5 video games. He additionally set an NFL report for completion proportion within the first 4 video games of a season (82.1).
And even when he had his least correct day — he accomplished 14 of 25 passes — Daniels nonetheless made massive performs. On no less than three events, he left a Browns participant pounding the bottom in frustration after permitting him to show the nook for a giant run or throw.
One time, Daniels eluded a blitz from security Grant Delpit and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah by dashing to the surface — after which connecting with receiver McLaurin for a 66-yard achieve. One other time defensive finish Za’Darius Smith grabbed a bit of Daniels’ jersey as he ran to the fitting. It was almost a sack; as an alternative Daniels ran away from Smith for a 2-yard once more on third-and-1.
Daniels in the end ran 11 instances for 82 yards, together with a 34-yarder. He related with receiver Dyami Brown for a 41-yard landing.
“He is a competitor,” operating again Austin Ekeler stated. “He’s going to indicate us stuff all yr that we’ll be like, ‘Wow.'”
However one purpose Washington is extra excited is as a result of on Sunday, Daniels additionally confirmed that he is nonetheless a rookie. He tossed an interception on the purpose line on one drive and was much less correct than in his first 4 video games.
Nonetheless, the protection dominated a struggling Browns offense, recording seven sacks, holding them to 212 yards and one-of-13 on third downs. Previously two weeks the protection has allowed simply 27 mixed factors.
It provides as much as a crew having enjoyable once more for the primary time in a very long time. Gamers have talked about how a lot enjoyable they’ve going to work and taking part in with each other. After defensive finish Dante Fowler Jr. recorded a sack, heart Tyler Biadasz was on the sideline mimicking his “sweeper” celebration.
“I have never been part of a quote, ‘good tradition,'” stated Washington proper guard Sam Cosmi, who’s in his fourth season with the Commanders. “Slowly however certainly I see it. It is actually cool to see, to be part of speaking and performing on it. I am enthusiastic about that.”
That power filtered into the stands at a stadium identified for occasionally having hundreds of opposing followers. Any Browns followers have been drowned out Sunday.
“I am unable to give any regard for the previous,” Quinn stated. “What I can say, I believed there was a home-field benefit created.”
Allen credited Quinn for creating an lively environment. “There is a purpose guys at all times observe him across the league,” he stated.
However, ultimately, Daniels’ efficiency has been nearly as invigorating. Linebacker Frankie Luvu, who recovered a fumble and had 2.5 sacks Sunday, stated Daniels is already on the facility when he and Wagner arrive round “5 or 6 [a.m.].”
“To see that and what he does on Sundays, it isn’t surprising,” Luvu stated.
The second general decide has captivated the followers in Washington — and past.
“I’ve obtained individuals again dwelling [in Florida] who by no means watch the Commanders which might be blowing up my cellphone,” Reaves stated. “I get extra texts about him than about myself. That is loopy. I’ve by no means turned on my TV and seen something Commanders or I am on Twitter and Commanders is trending in a great way.”
However Daniels stays unimpressed. As somebody near him stated lately: He did not come to Washington to win video games early within the season.
“I am simply excited for these guys to have this sense,” Daniels stated of the gamers who’ve been right here some time. “It is thrilling instances. However we’ve to get again to work. We’re on to the following week now.”