It’s no secret that the NFL has recently been plagued by college-sensations – turned-busts at the quarterback position (headlined by Kenny Pickett, Zach Wilson, Dwayne Haskins, and Trey Lance). And even if some of these players have shown flashes of potential, not one of them has shown consistent play in their first seasons that point to successful careers under center – that is, not if you compare them to the first two picks of this year’s draft, who’s turning the tide in the legacy of young quarterbacks.
Both the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders have been searching for an identity in the last few decades, facing a turnstile of washed game-managers and failed projects. Luckily, their losing seasons (or completely one sided trades, in the Bears’ case) gifted them a lottery ticket at one of the best rookie QB classes in recent memory – Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels.
Chicago Bears
The Bears ended the Justin Fields era this offseason when they traded him to the Steelers for a sixth-round pick, going all in on USC standout Williams that had drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes his entire college career. With a supporting cast in DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet and fellow 1st round pick Rome Odunze, the Bears surrounded their rookie QB with all the tools he needs to succeed. And though it wasn’t easy to get rid of one of the city’s most beloved players, Willams has already gotten comfortable in an offense that has started a new chapter in Chicago sports.
The Bears currently sit at 4 – 2 in the best division in football, their best start since being 5 – 1 in 2020. And though their defense ranking near the top of the league in yards allowed per game and turnovers might be the main part of their recent successes, Williams’ offseason doubters have gone quiet as he’s put together a incredible start to his rookie campaign.
Through his first six games, Williams has thrown for over 1300 yards and 9 touchdown passes (4 coming in their London matchup against the Jaguars) with a completion percentage of 65.3%. On top of that, he’s looked more and more comfortable in the pocket in each game he’s played. Sure, part of that has to do with matchups against some of the worst d-lines in the league, but let’s give the Bears some credit.
Williams is the first number one pick to win his NFL debut game since 2002, and should continue to make history in Soldier Field. And even though the Bears may see a similar 2nd half as the 2020 season once they start playing teams with competent players and coaching staffs, the future still looks bright in Chicago. And If it weren’t for a surprise MVP candidate in Washington, Caleb would probably have the Offensive Rookie of The Year locked down. But even he can’t match the early firepower of Jayden Daniels.
Washington Commanders
As for Washington, they didn’t really have much to say goodbye to this offseason (not even Sam Howell thought Sam Howell would still be a starting QB in 2024). Sitting with the second pick in the draft, all signs pointed to LSU Heisman winner Jayden Daniels.
Through seven games, Daniels has taken one of the worst teams in football and made them a powerhouse. At 5 – 2, the Commanders sit at the top of the NFC East. People questioned his ability to function as an NFL passer, but Daniels’ 1404 yards and 75.3% completion percentage speaks for itself.
And even though he’s said himself he doesn’t like the Lamar comparisons, it’s hard not to make them when he’s less than thirty yards away from leading his team in rushing. His dual threat ability has given him rookie of the week in five out of games, and he’s still looking towards something bigger – an MVP trophy.
With subpar play from many of the best QBs in the league, a door has opened up for Daniels to sneak into the MVP race. He’s already surpassed every possible expectation for a rookie quarterback. There’s a new team to look out for in the NFC, and none of it would be possible without Daniels under center.
