Earlier than their matchup on Sunday, Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is not welcoming comparisons to Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson.
“I do not like when individuals actually attempt to evaluate me to Lamar and vice versa,” Daniels mentioned Wednesday, per The Athletic’s Ben Standig. “We’re two completely different gamers. …I am not close-minded I all the time need to have the ability to develop, however on the finish of the day, I wish to be often known as Jayden Daniels and never the following such and such.”
Jackson — a two-time MVP — is not a fan of the comparisons, both.
“[Daniels] is his personal participant, [and] he is his personal man, on the finish of the day,” Jackson mentioned Wednesday, by way of Ryan Mink of the staff web site. “We’re simply attempting to make a reputation for ourselves, not anybody else, so I agree with that — undoubtedly.”
Whereas Jackson and Daniels insist they’re completely different, their play kinds and résumés are related.
Daniels gained the 2023 Heisman Trophy at LSU, passing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns. He additionally rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 scores. Jackson earned the 2016 Heisman at Louisville, throwing for 3,543 yards and 30 TDs. Moreover, he ran for 1,571 yards and 21 scores.
No. 2 general choose Daniels grew to become the one participant to go for no less than 1,000-plus yards and run for 250-plus yards in his first 5 begins, by way of NFL.com researcher Dante Koplowitz-Fleming. In 2019, Jackson was the primary participant to throw for 3,000-plus yards and rush for 1,000-plus yards.
Each are MVP candidates. As of Wednesday night time, FanDuel Sportsbook provides Jackson the third-best odds (+650) to win the award, whereas Daniels has the fifth-best (+1100).
Daniels most likely has extra to achieve on Sunday. If he leads Washington (4-1) to a street win over Baltimore (3-2), that ought to assist the 23-year-old distinguish himself.