Analyst Gives Bold Commanders Stat Prediction For Jayden Daniels

The Washington Commanders are no longer sneaking up on anyone. After Jayden Daniels burst onto the scene with a 12-5 rookie campaign that ended in the NFC Championship Game, expectations in D.C. are sky-high.

The team loaded up this offseason — wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and several key defensive pieces — but at the end of the day, Washington’s future rests on the arm and legs of Daniels.

And according to The Athletic’s Dave Helman, Daniels could be about to make history in Year 2.

Daniels’ Passing and Rushing for Commanders

On The Athletic Football Show, Helman offered a bold prediction for what the 25-year-old quarterback is capable of in his sophomore season.

“Let’s see if I can hit the listeners with the next level analysis that they’ve come to expect from “The Athletic Football Show”: I’m excited about year two of Jayden Daniels and what that means and what it could look like. You’re talking about a quarterback who’s capable of throwing for 4,000 yards and rushing for 1,000 yards in the same season. I think that’s on the table for him.

If he progresses from his rookie year, then we can officially start talking about him as a top-five quarterback in the NFL playing for a legacy franchise, a franchise that went so long without something to be excited about. All of that kind of ties in for me. It’s not just Jayden being great, but Jayden being great in a very historically good football market that hasn’t had a whole lot to be excited about. And he’s only turning 25 this year. So if he cements himself as the guy that we think he is, what else is there? What could be more exciting?”

That kind of stat line would instantly vault Daniels into elite territory. No quarterback in NFL history has ever officially logged a 4,000/1,000 season — Lamar Jackson came closest with his 2019 MVP year (3,127 passing yards, 1,206 rushing yards). Daniels matching or surpassing that would not only redefine his standing in the league but also reshape the ceiling for Washington’s entire offense.

Why the Hype Makes Sense

Daniels showed flashes as a rookie that make Helman’s prediction sound less far-fetched than it looks on paper. He already proved he can beat teams with his legs, gashing defenses on designed runs and scrambles.

What impressed Washington’s staff most was his poise in the pocket and ability to push the ball downfield — even as a first-year player.

Now, with a fortified offensive line and the addition of Samuel, Daniels has the infrastructure to take that next leap. Washington also retained offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, ensuring Year 2 comes with continuity in scheme.

That’s the real story here. Washington hasn’t had a quarterback worth this level of optimism in decades. If Daniels cements himself as a top-tier passer while maintaining his explosive running ability, the Commanders don’t just become relevant — they become dangerous.

Helman’s 4,000/1,000 stat prediction for Daniels is bold, maybe even unprecedented. But that’s what makes it so intriguing. Daniels already exceeded expectations as a rookie. With a full offseason as the unquestioned starter, new weapons around him, and a fanbase desperate for something to rally behind, he’s in position to take another massive leap.

And if he does, the Commanders could go from last year’s surprise story to a legitimate NFC powerhouse.

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