Jayden Daniels Has Been Lights Out Against the Blitz
It’s only been 5 games, but Jayden Daniels has already proven himself to be a more mature and refined quarterback than most rookies we’ve seen. That’s been particularly true against the blitz, where his numbers are ridiculous.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he’s completed 37 of 47 passes (78.7%) for 472 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and a 122.7 passer rating. He’s also rushed for 127 yards on 12 carries, and his EPA per dropback against the blitz is tied for best in the NFL.
What more is there to say?
2024 NFL Draft: LSU QB Jayden Daniels Breakdown
We all know know about Jayden Daniels’ athleticism. He ran for 1,134 yards in 12 games last season, including a 2-game span against Alabama and Florida where he rushed for 397 yards. He is a threat to score from anywhere on the field, plain and simple:
Arguably the biggest reason for his success is that he has so many different answers for handling blitz pressure. In Week 5 against the Browns, we saw each of those answers in action.
Daniels’ legs and athleticism are obviously a huge part of this. If the defense makes the mistake of rushing too far upfield and giving him escape lanes or letting him get outside of the pocket, he’s been able to make them pay:
Even when it looks like the defense has him boxed in, his ability to make defenders miss has helped him escape collapsing pockets.
Watch him do so here and then make an unbelievable throw 60 yards downfield: