The Daniels brothers are going to be in action this week. Tonight, in Dallas, Jalon Daniels will start at quarterback for the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On Sunday, when the Washington Commanders host the New York Giants, Jayden Daniels will return from his elbow injury to lead the Commanders.
Just a side note. Give me a break Mr. and Mrs. Daniels. You name your kids who both go on to play quarterback in the National Football League Jalon and Jayden? Is this just an effort to make it confusing for teachers while they were in school? Your trick on the world will no doubt have announcers call Jalon Jayden tonight and perhaps refer to Jayden on Sunday as Jalon. Let me guess, they have a sister named Jaymon.
Anyway, so far, despite their similarities in first names they have had different results on the field. In his rookie season Jayden, who was the second overall pick in the 2024 draft, led the Commanders from the cellar to the NFC Championship Game. He had a predictable slump last year in his sophomore season but before suffering his elbow injury a couple weeks ago was geared for a big 2026. We’ll know a lot more about his fate after he returns from his injury to meet the Giants on Sunday.
Meanwhile, tonight we are going to get a look at his younger brother who was undrafted and signed as a free agent by the Buccaneers. He was forced into action two weeks ago when Tampa Bay starter Baker Mayfield was sidelined with a right thumb injury. He was 0-3 passing with an interception against the Vikings in relief, and was 19 for 27 last week with two picks and a touchdown in his start versus the Green Bay Packers.
Tonight, he will face a Dallas defense that was a major problem for Brian Schottenheimer’s team last year and has not shown much improvement this season. Through four games, the Cowboys have allowed 112 points, only three teams in the NFC have given up more.
The Cowboys have split their first four games with wins over the Commanders and last week in Houston versus the Texans. Tampa Bay is winless, having lost four games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.