When someone is willing to get up extra early to meet you early at work each day, you get to know them.
Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has led by example in his first season. We learned that Daniels arrived quite early throughout training camp, as some reports were before 7 a.m., sometimes even earlier.
We also learned that another Commanders rookie had determined he would also come early and work with Daniels. Third-round draft selection (100 overall) receiver Luke McCaffrey thought it wise for himself to also get in the very early morning work with Daniels.
McCaffrey might be the younger brother of Christian McCaffrey, who last year was the AP Offensive Player of the Year. But younger brother Luke knows that if he is to go anywhere in this league, he must earn it himself. Even more, he only played receiver his last two college seasons, converting from quarterback.
“For somebody that hasn’t been playing that position that long, he is a very smart learner, a very fast learner. Very instinctual and smart. Obviously, he played quarterback, so we kind of see it hand in hand. He knows based on the concept, the footwork, the timing he needs. I am happy with his growth so far.”
Week 1 was super bullish for Luke McCaffrey
-Kliff brought the horizontal raid withim. 5.5 aDOT for Daniels
-92% route rate, 76% from slot
-High win rate on WASH in W1 (25% @FantasyPtsData )
-They tried to run the trick QB play cc @Sherman_FFB !!! pic.twitter.com/3J9S6SM52y— Davis Mattek (@DavisMattek) September 11, 2024
Noah Brown is even newer to the team, having been signed the week before the season opener. Brown played college ball at Ohio State with Terry McLaurin. Though Brown only started a few games for the Cowboys, he was there the first two seasons. Dan Quinn was the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, so Quinn saw him a lot in practices.
“He’s tough; a hard worker, very smooth with his route running,” expressed Daniels. This is a big week of practice for us and him. We are just looking to get better.”
Noah Brown: pic.twitter.com/6qthyJYo17
— John Keim (@john_keim) September 11, 2024
Daniels was referring to Brown not yet being active. If he can show enough this week that he has learned the offense, he may be activated for Sunday’s Week 2 home opener against the Giants.