As the first-year head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, Kliff Kingsbury’s mission was to develop a rookie quarterback with a Heisman Trophy on his resume, Kyler Murray.
Five years later, in his first year as offensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders, Kingsbury is doing the same with another Heisman Trophy-winning rookie quarterback in Jayden Daniels.
Sunday when the Cardinals (1-2) host the Commanders (2-1), it will be a look-in at Kingsbury pupils, past and present.
So far, the Kingsbury-Daniels collaboration has been a rousing success as Daniels has shown improvement each week, culminating with a brilliant breakout performance Monday night in Cincinnati in the Commanders’ 38-33 win over the Bengals.
Daniels completed 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns, including a stunning 27-yard game-clincher to Terry McLaurin as he was absorbing a huge hit from Cincinnati safety Geno Stone.
“Sometimes the bigger the challenge, the bigger the smile,” Washington head coach Dan Quinn said of the poise Daniels has shown.
“He is the answer,” Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen added.
In hitting on 91.3 percent of his passes, Daniels had the highest completion rate ever in a game for a rookie quarterback.
In three games, Daniels has yet to commit a turnover. He has directed 17 straight drives that either ended in a score or a kneeldown, dating back to the last drive of the season opener. Pro Bowl punter Tress Way hasn’t had to kick since Week 1.
Daniels, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft, leads the high-flying Commanders to Arizona. The team flew directly there from Cincinnati because Quinn wanted “no outside voices,” to interfere with Washington’s preparation.
“One of the most challenging things for a young team to do is not to ride the roller coaster. It’s not easy because roller coasters are fun as hell,” Quinn said. “You can’t ride the highs and lows because both can be equally dangerous.”
A danger for Washington on Sunday is the Cardinals’ aerial combo of Murray and rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. Of Murray’s five touchdown passes, three have been to the former Ohio State standout.
Harrison had a touchdown catch on the opening drive in the Cardinals’ 20-13 loss at home to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. But on its next 10 possessions, Arizona produced only two field goals.
There should be more opportunities against Washington, which ranks last in the NFL in passer rating defense (127.6) and has surrendered more passing touchdowns (nine) than any team.
Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon expects the Commanders to be a tough challenge.
“Monday night, they played extremely well,” Gannon said. “They’re 2-1 for a reason. Big-time test coming in here.”
The Cardinals will not have to deal with Washington running back Austin Ekeler, who suffered a concussion on Monday night and has been ruled out, Quinn said on Wednesday. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell (knee) also will be out.
Other Commanders who did not practice on Wednesday include guard Sam Cosmi (Achilles).
Gannon reported on Wednesday that defensive lineman Justin Jones (triceps) will miss the season. Replacing him on the roster will be veteran Naquan Jones, who was with the Cardinals in the preseason before joining the practice roster of the Miami Dolphins.
Missing practice on Wednesday were tight end Trey McBride (concussion) and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (knee). Players who were limited were safety Budda Baker (quad), offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum (hamstring), linebacker Dennis Gardeck (finger), defensive tackle Dante Stills (shoulder) and Harrison (quad).
– Field Level Media