How top picks Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels performed in their NFL preseason debuts

By Jenna West, Kevin Fishbain and Ben Standig

Saturday’s preseason action gave NFL fans their first glimpse of quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, the Nos. 1 and 2 picks in this year’s draft, and the rookies delivered.

The Buffalo Bills hosted the Chicago Bears, who played Williams for the entire first quarter. He delivered a throw late in the quarter that made everyone’s eyes wide as Williams rolled to his right and threw a 26-yard pass to Cole Kmet on the run. It may have been slightly behind Kmet, but the arm strength to make that throw while moving to his right is rare.

Both of Williams’ drives ended in field goals, giving the Bears an early lead against the Bills, who started Josh Allen.

Williams finished 4 of 7 with 95 throwing yards while adding one carry for 13 rushing yards. Backup Tyson Bagent took over in the second quarter.

Caleb Williams is MONEY on the run.

📺: #CHIvsBUF on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/otxvQ2oyCV

—NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024

In New York, Daniels and the Washington Commanders took on the Jets. The anticipation for Daniels’ debut, even in the preseason, became must-see TV from the moment Washington drafted the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. His dual-threat capabilities shined on the opening possession.

Daniels, a passer who runs, uncorked a perfect 42-yard strike down the right sideline to wide receiver Dyami Brown on third-and-6 at the New York 24-yard line. Facing third-and-3 from the Jets’ three-yard line after a pair of first downs, Daniels faked a handoff on the zone read and bounced out for an easy touchdown run to the right corner of the end zone.

Jayden Daniels saves it for the TD on his opening drive 🔥 @JayD__5

📱: Stream #WASvsNYJ on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/HbRsYFo9m6

—NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024

That was all the coaching staff needed to see, especially with a short offensive line; Washington’s top three tackles were ruled out. Daniels finished 2-of-3 for 45 yards with the three-yard scamper on the 11-play, 70-yard opening drive. Marcus Mariota took over the next possession and Daniels’ day was over.

What did Williams look like?

It was similar to his struggles in training camp when Williams dropped back for his first NFL pass. The pocket eventually collapsed, he was forced to scramble, Darnell Wright was flagged for holding it and Williams finally threw it away as he got to the sideline. But he kept his eyes on the field the entire time, and two plays later he calmly read through his plays before hitting DJ Moore for a first down on third-and-12.

On the next play, Williams didn’t panic because of the crowd and got the ball to D’Andre Swift on a screen pass. It could also have been a no-look pass. Swift took it 42 yards.
The next drive went 74 yards on 12 plays and featured two more Williams completions and a 13-yard scramble on third down – when Williams used his slip-n-slid skills to slide into the open field. – Kevin Fishbain, Bears staff writer

Caleb Williams’ first completion is a laser for a first down

📺: #CHIvsBUF on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/934KG1UBTw

—NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024

What prompted his throw to Kmet?

An illegal contact on third down as Williams tried to find wide receiver Rome Odunze sparked that drive. I noticed that Williams was adamant that a flag be thrown, and he was excited about the new series of downs. Then he went to work. Kmet and Moore dropped potential completions, and when Williams’ heave to Odunze on third down in the back of the end zone was too high, you could tell Williams saw an opening and wanted it.

The offense had no prior penalties, which was a priority for head coach Matt Eberflus. While Williams would have loved to find the end zone, he did enough to show the potential of what’s to come. — Visbain

How does Daniels deal with Washington?

Passing highs or lows usually define a quarterback’s perception, especially for a newcomer coming onto the scene. Still, the other aspects of the job that require smarts and maturity stood out when coaching Dan Quinn in training camp.

The pass to Brown was a strong example. Speaking on the local television broadcast in the first half, running back Austin Ekeler said Daniels checked out a screen pass to target the long-running receiver.

“I had high expectations for (Daniels) coming in,” Quinn said earlier this week, “but I would say he has absolutely exceeded even my expectations of readiness and command. I knew he would be cool because he knew the system. He’s just that way about him.’

The Jets had 28 players for Saturday’s preseason opener, while the Commanders had 11 players, including tight end Zach Ertz. That’s important context, especially since Washington’s offense put up minimal yards in Thursday’s rainy joint practice against New York’s defense. However, Daniels showed poise and steady decision-making. He continued to protect the ball, a habit that has been consistent throughout training camp.

“It feels like the game is starting to slow down even more for (Daniels),” McLaurin continued. “When he came in, he had a good feel for his ball placement and his expectation. I think that’s what really sets him apart.

As offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury installed more of the system, Daniels began to showcase his arm talent with accurate throws down the field. The completion for Brown was a good example.

Jayden Daniels launches him DEEP on his second throw

📱: Stream #WASvsNYJ on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/tGSoMxc4gI

—NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024

Teammates have praised Daniels’ work ethic — the 23-year-old is one of the first to arrive at the team facility before practices — and the camaraderie in the locker room. The rookie arrived for Saturday’s game in a Doug Williams jersey. Williams won the 1987 Super Bowl with Washington and currently works as a senior advisor for the team. – Ben Standig, senior writer of Commanders

Will Daniels get the starting gig?

Quinn has yet to name the starter for Washington’s Week 1 game at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There’s no drama here. Daniels gets the gig. He’s earned the chance. That’s different from saying he’ll light up the competition from the jump. He will need help, and questions about the offensive line remain. After one ride in the preseason, expectations are also increasing. — Standing

Required reading

(Photo: Mark Konezny/USA Today)