Jayden Daniels shuts down comparisons with Lamar Jackson: "I don't want to be the next such-such"
Jayden Daniels had a strong response to comparisons with two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. Despite not being touted as high as Daniels coming out of college, Jackson became a two-way threat.
This weekend, the two will clash for the first time when the NFC East leaders Washington Commanders face off against the AFC North leaders Baltimore Ravens.
Daniels could aspire to emulate what Jackson has done in the league, but he's made it clear that he's not interested in becoming the second version of anybody. While talking with reporters earlier today, the rookie quarterback made his thoughts clear.
"You always learn stuff from other quarterbacks within the league. I'm not closed-minded and I always want to be able to grow, but at the end of the day, I want to be known as Jayden Daniels and not the next such-and-such," the quarterback said.
The start of the season has been nothing short of remarkable for Jayden Daniels and the Commanders. They have lost only one game, the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a Baker Mayfield show. After that, it's been only wins for the capital team.
They eked out a close 21-18 win against the Giants, upset the Cincinnati Bengals 38-33, dismantled the Arizona Cardinals 42-14 and then handled the Cleveland Browns with a 34-13 win last weekend.
Lamar Jackson responds to Jayden Daniels' comments
Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson reacted to Jayden Daniels' remarks about not trying to become a second version of anyone. The reigning and, possibly, the next, MVP appreciated Daniels' sentiments.
"I agree, he's his own player, he's his own man and at the end of the day, we're just trying to make a name for ourselves, not anyone else, so I agree with it," Jackson said.
Given the style of play of Jayden Daniels and Lamar Jackson, this game appears to be a big attraction for NFL fans this weekend. Besides their stars playing at a high level, both teams are having outstanding starts to their respective seasons.
The Baltimore Ravens are trending in the right direction after starting the season 0-2, following consecutive losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders, respectively.
They bounced back with a 28-25 win against the Dallas Cowboys, then took care of Josh Allen and the Bills 35-10 before going to Paul Brown and getting a 41-38 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals.