Commanders’ Daniels doesn’t like comparisons to Ravens’ Jackson

ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels could make performs together with his legs, similar to Sunday’s opposing quarterback Lamar Jackson. That does not imply Daniels views the 2 as comparable.

“I do not like when individuals attempt to evaluate me to Lamar,” Daniels mentioned. “We’re two completely different gamers. I need to be referred to as Jayden Daniels and never the following such-and-such.”

Washington (4-1) performs at Baltimore (3-2) on Sunday in a matchup of the NFL’s two highest-scoring offenses — and two of probably the most dynamic quarterbacks.

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Daniels owns the NFL’s third-highest quarterback score (73.2); Jackson’s is fifth (67.2).

Jackson has thrown for 1,206 yards passing and 9 touchdowns whereas dashing for one more 363 yards and two scores. In the meantime, Daniels has thrown for 1,135 yards and 4 touchdowns and rushed for 300 yards and 4 scores. Each quarterbacks are on tempo to surpass 1,000 yards dashing.

However whereas their stats is perhaps comparable, that does not imply they’re the identical quarterback. Quite a few NFL evaluators and coaches echoed that sentiment earlier than the draft, mentioning variations between the 2 — similar to Daniels’ superior potential to play from the pocket in comparison with Jackson’s when the latter was drafted in 2018.

“He is his personal participant,” Jackson mentioned. “He is his personal man. On the finish of the day, we’re attempting to make a reputation by ourself, not anybody else.”

Daniels can be enjoying in solely his sixth NFL sport; Jackson is in his seventh season and has gained two NFL Most Priceless Participant awards.

Daniels mentioned they’ve a relationship that “goes again a while, sort of like an enormous bro, little bro sort of factor.” He mentioned they’ve a mutual respect.

“I like watching good quarterback play,” Daniels mentioned. “I am a fan of his, and the way he performs the sport, how he approaches the sport. However we’re two completely different quarterbacks, two completely different types. I recognize what he is carried out for the game and what he is carried out for the African American quarterbacks.”

Daniels mentioned he is used to being in comparison with different quarterbacks, from the time he was in highschool by way of coming into the draft.

“However for me it is simply, go on the market and attempt to be distinctive and attempt to be completely different from everyone,” Daniels mentioned. “Recognize what they do as a result of you may all the time be taught from different quarterbacks within the league. I am not closed-minded.”

Washington coach Dan Quinn mentioned there’s one facet of their video games that he views as shut.

“Each of those two are elite rivals on the highest stage,” Quinn mentioned. “That exhibits on tape, the way in which they prolong performs, the way in which they end, the way in which they lead their group. Each have their distinctive methods however on this sport there are unbelievable rivals and there is the elite and these two guys are elite at it.”

Daniels mentioned he likes watching quite a few quarterbacks, from Jackson to Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Daniels will choose the brains of different NFL quarterbacks he works out with within the offseason, asking about their offenses and the way they made sure performs.

However whereas Daniels and Jackson is perhaps completely different gamers, Washington hopes its rookie quarterback can have the identical long-term affect Jackson has had.

“It is robust to check anybody to Lamar,” Washington tight finish Zach Ertz mentioned. “Lamar has been among the finest gamers within the league for a really very long time and Jayden simply had his fifth sport within the league. We have got all the arrogance on the planet that he’ll be in that dialog for a very long time. However it’s a disservice to each gamers.”

ESPN’s Jamison Hensley contributed to this report.