'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Washington Commanders are entering a new era in the franchise's history with Jayden Daniels as their quarterback. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner received high praise from teammate Zach Ertz, who compared him to the legendary Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck.
Ertz was a guest on "The Pivot" podcast, hosted by Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder. The Commanders tight end talked about Daniels' potential heading into the season and raved about the intangible characteristics that stood out with the rookie.
"With Jayden, I think he's going to be really good, and I don't think it's going to take very long. But he's also coming into this thing, and they don't want to overload him. Obviously, the physical tools stand out... his ability to be intentional with everything that he does, he works extremely hard."
Ertz continued, drawing parallels with Andrew Luck, who he believes is the best quarterback he's ever played with. Ertz and Luck were teammates at Stanford University. Ertz has played with Michael Vick, Nick Foles, Carson Wentz, Jalen Hurts, Kyler Murray, and Jared Goff among others in his 12-year career.
Ertz mentioned Luck's ability to bring people together and set the culture, a quality that he sees in Jayden Daniels.
"Andrew almost had a gravitational pull to him. You know, guys wanted to be around him. He was never bigger than the team. He was always just one of the guys. Was always building people up, and he was the culture setter."
Ertz believes that the Commanders are in very good hands with Jayden Daniels as their signal caller.
"Jayden is a guy that brings people together. Guys want to be around him. He's communicating with whether you're a guy that's in year 12 or a practice squad guy last year, like there is no agenda with Jayden."
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels excited for NFL debut against NY Jets
Jayden Daniels will have the opportunity to showcase his talents on Saturday when he makes his NFL debut. The Washington Commanders will take on the New York Jets in their first preseason clash. Head coach Dan Quinn announced that Daniels will be lacing up his shoes on Saturday.
"I'm very excited," Daniels said about making his NFL debut vs Jets. "I love playing, love to compete. Going out there will be a different challenge."
Quinn praised Daniels' decision-making and processing ability. The Commanders QB understands he has a long way to go and is focused on putting his best foot forward, competing hard, and having fun, on his NFL debut.
The Jets will host the Commanders on Saturday, August 10, at 12 p.m. ET, at MetLife Stadium.
