Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels addressed the media after the team's preseason game against the New York Jets. Here is a full transcript of the press conference.
On his NFL debut...
It was fun, go out there and play football, play at the highest level. That was pretty much it, just go out there and have fun.
On the check on his 42-yard pass...
Yeah, I mean it was just something that throughout practice, throughout the time I've been here that Coach (Dan Quinn) was like, 'Hey, if you don't like this look, check it.' So, they came out with a certain look, and we were in a play and I didn't like it, so I just checked it.
On what the intended 42-yard check play was meant to be...
It was a screen, but everybody's within five yards of the line of scrimmage, so it was pretty much going to be a dead play. So, I just checked it and gave my guy a chance to make a play.
On if he had any nerves going into the game...
Yeah, I get nervous before every game like the butterfly feeling. That's just something that you're human, you're alive, you'll never know what will happen. So, yeah, for sure.
On if his successful drive instilled confidence in his gameplay...
Yeah, I feel like it just gives everybody confidence moving forward. Obviously, not just me, but being able to connect with Dyami (Brown) down the field. I know that gave him confidence. He made a tough catch later on, on the curve off from Jeff (Driskel) but just seeing those little steps that we need to take in order to be successful and execute at a high level. On why he wanted to wear Doug's jersey today: I don't know. Before I left it just was in my closet. What better way to have my debut first game than represent Doug and what he did for this organization.
On if he knew that his deep ball was being thrown into coverage by one of his old teammates...
Yeah, I did. I did for sure. Just letting things happen, man. On if the speed and pace of the NFL was noticeably different than NCAA: No. I felt like it was kind of the same. Obviously, the guys up front move at a different speed, but it's just fun to go out there and play football.
On his cohesion with the line when he's in the pocket...
They give me enough time to get the ball off. So, I wasn't really focused on anything up front. I've got to go back and watch the film but our (offensive) line did their job.
On giving the sideline a big smile and if that was sending a message...
I for sure did. It was, because they knew it was like going out there and really just having fun. I kind of talked about like, jokingly, 'Hey, I might check a play and it just happened.
On giving his first touchdown ball to his mom...
It was awesome. Obviously, she was very excited, and I was happy just to be able to get my first touchdown and just throw it to her. So, I know she's happy. I've got to fight her to get the ball back now, but I know she's excited.
On if he anticipates being nervous for the first regular season game or every game...
Every game. It's kind of the same thing. I can't explain how I will feel before the first regular season game. I couldn't explain how I felt before this game, so it's just kind of game-by-game.
On words exchanged with New York Jets QB Aaron Rogers during the joint practice...
Don't ride the wave. Obviously, he's been in this league, played at the high level for many years. He kind of just said that you're going to have ups and downs your rookie year, and don't ride the wave and just stay the course, and everything will work out.
