There has been an apparent consensus opinion of which quarterback had been the best in the last two NFL Draft classes, with Bryce Young and Caleb Williams both going first overall. But so far, it’s the player taken with the subsequent pick who has made all the early impressions.
In last year’s draft, the Houston Texans selected CJ Stroud second overall, going on to put in a sensational rookie season and immediately turning the franchise’s fortunes around – taking them to the playoffs will look to be a contender again this season. Stroud had even been in the MVP conversation as a rookie.
And through the first four games, the Washington Commanders‘ quarterback Jayden Daniels has been just as impressive as Stroud had with highlight plays, consistent play, and leading the team to victories.
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Daniels was the winner for Offensive Rookie of the Month in September, outplaying both rookie starting quarterbacks Williams and Bo Nix.
But just how impressive has Daniels been, and how do his numbers compare to Stroud’s through the same sample size? Mirror US Sports has compiled the statistics of Stroud’s 2023 and Daniels’ first month to get a better idea.
Jayden Daniels stats through four games
Bold shows which quarterback has the better statistic per category
Daniels has been in command of Washington’s offense (
Getty Images)
Passing completion percent: 87
Passing yards: 897
Rushing yards: 218
Touchdowns: 7
Interceptions: 1
Win-loss record: 3-1
CJ Stroud stats through four games
Passing completion percent: 64
Passing yards: 1,212
Rushing yards: 41
Touchdowns: 4
Interceptions: 0
Win-loss record: 2-2
The Texans look like they’ve found a superstar in CJ Stroud
Is Daniels play sustainable?
While extremely impressive through his first four, it should be pointed out that Daniels has played against four of the struggling defenses in the league so far.
In their most recent win over the Arizona Cardinals, the rookie quarterback as given strong pass protection against the worst-statistical pass-rush in the league. However, he made all the right plays when he needed to – with an incredible 233 yards while completing 26-for-30 passes.
Daniels will be tested in the upcoming weeks, playing against Myles Garratt and the Cleveland Browns’ unpredictable defensive unit before playing one of the more difficult schemes in the NFL in the Baltimore Ravens’ defense.
Are Jayden Daniels and CJ Stroud MVP candidates?
Stroud has continued in his impressive form in 2024 with six touchdowns to just two interceptions while completing 67% of his passes.
While Daniels has been more impressive than Stroud through the first four weeks, the latter will be seen as a more likely candidate to win the award being in his second year with a much stronger offensive unit around him.
Daniels completing 87% of his passes is just not sustainable – being significantly higher than Drew Brees’ all-time NFL record of 74%. But if Daniels continues to be the threat that he is as a rusher with impressive passing numbers, then there’s no reason why he won’t continue to be a candidate.
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