After 102 days, the Washington Commanders have finally announced their starting quarterback for the 2024 season, Jayden Daniels. This decision comes on the heels of the Chicago Bears’ announcement of Caleb Williams as their starting quarterback 102 days prior.

The differing timelines raise questions about when teams should inform their squads about the starting quarterback. While some believe rookie quarterbacks should be named immediately, others think they need time to learn and develop. However, coaches and executives across the league agree that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to onboard a rookie quarterback.

“It depends on the person and the situation,” said an NFC general manager. “The micro level consists of intertwined complexities between the two, and most cases of doing really hard things are similar.”

The Commanders’ approach to naming Daniels as their starting quarterback is commendable. Those who know him will attest that rushing into a decision wouldn’t have suited him. Instead, the team considered their macro and micro circumstances before making the announcement.

Why Jayden Daniels didn’t expect an early starting announcement

Daniels’ work ethic is a defining characteristic of his personality and approach to the game. Even LSU’s Heisman Trophy winner, known for arriving at the facility extremely early, didn’t expect an early starting announcement.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters admired Daniels’ work ethic so much that they decided to hand him his key fob directly, noting his access was “24 hours.”

When Quinn informed Daniels that he had earned the starting job, Daniels’ response was telling. He didn’t immediately celebrate, instead choosing to focus on the task at hand.

The decision not to celebrate was small but significant. It reflects why the Commanders believe in Daniels and why the longer road to naming him quarterback suits him.

Commanders haven’t handed full mantle to Daniels — and that’s a good thing

When the Commanders visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 8, expect Daniels and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to focus on getting the ball into playmakers’ hands quickly.

Washington wants a physical offensive line and reliable run game to anchor an offense that ultimately opens up deep shots for Daniels.

The Commanders want Daniels to leverage his arms and legs alike, making him a dual-threat for defenses to defend in what Quinn views as a weekly mathematical mismatch.

Washington aimed to shore up Daniels’ supporting cast and protection with veteran acquisitions in center Tyler Biadasz, left guard Nick Allegretti, tight end Zach Ertz, and running back Austin Ekeler.

Bringing quarterback Marcus Mariota in gave Daniels a mentor who understood the pressure of being a Heisman winner-turned-No. 2 overall pick.

Quinn was intentional about saying not only what Daniels is but also what he is not. He is the Commanders’ starting quarterback, but he doesn’t have to be the leader of the team.

“It was interesting knowing that if you go draft somebody, they don’t have to be the [vocal] team leader right away,” Quinn said. “If you push somebody into leadership who’s not ready or you anoint somebody that’s not a leader, both of those can go badly because it has to be earned and proven and demonstrated.”

Daniels will continue to command respect for his play and work in Washington. He’ll continue to share the mantle of responsibility with his coaching staff and teammates, especially those far more veteran than him.

It won’t surprise the franchise if, like the quarterback battle road he travelled,,p Daniels Daniels’ leadership role continues expands.