**Jayden Daniels and Washington Commanders Face High Expectations for the New Season**

Expectations are soaring for quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders following an outstanding, record-breaking 2024 season. However, the quarterback remains grounded as he enters his second year in the league. "I just gotta go out there and prove myself each and every day," Daniels remarked after an OTA practice on May 28. "No matter if it's last season, this season or 10, 20 years down the road. You still gotta prove yourself each and every season."

Daniels had an impressive rookie season, amassing over 5,000 yards in both the regular and postseason combined. This performance set multiple team and league records for a rookie quarterback, leading many to consider it one of the best rookie seasons ever. The Commanders, bolstered by Daniels' stellar play, ended the season with a 12-5 record and reached the NFC Championship.

Despite last season's success, neither the Commanders nor Daniels are resting on their laurels. Since the 2024 campaign concluded with a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Daniels has been preparing rigorously for the upcoming season. He has evidently bulked up, with noticeable muscle gains, which has not gone unappreciated. Teammates Tyler Biadasz and Frankie Luvu have commended his dedication and significant physical improvement.

Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury confirmed Daniels' enhanced physique, noting, "he's gotten stronger, for sure." Daniels, however, played down the social media buzz about his more muscular appearance. "I was just working out," he said with a smile. "It was just, 'Go out there, have a plan and just naturally put on weight.'"

The NFL also acknowledges the rising prominence of Daniels and the Commanders, awarding them five primetime games, tying for the second most in the league, along with eight standalone games in total. This schedule reflects the league's view of Daniels and Washington as major attractions deserving of the limelight.

While the increased visibility brings heightened expectations, Daniels and his teammates understand that they need to continue proving themselves. "We know everything is not going to be given to us," Daniels stated. "We gotta go out there and earn it each and every day."

With a promising start to his career and the league's attention on them, Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders are set to meet the challenges of the new season head-on.