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From the leather-helmet era to the modern, highly mobile quarterback, here’s a closer look at the players who shifted the quarterback paradigm for the Commanders.

Sammy Baugh: The First to Make the Forward Pass a Weapon

Before Sammy Baugh arrived, quarterbacks mostly handed off the ball. Passing was an afterthought, more trick than tactic. But when Baugh joined Washington in 1937, fresh out of TCU, everything changed. He brought a new and disruptive style to the field of play - one built around vision, timing, and pinpoint accuracy. Defenses simply weren’t ready for a quarterback who could slice them up via airmail.

In his rookie season, Baugh led Washington to an NFL championship—throwing for 335 yards in the title game. At the time, that was unheard of. He finished his career with 21,886 passing yards, a massive total in an era when most teams didn’t pass often or effectively. But he wasn’t just a great passer. Baugh also led the league in punting and interceptions (on defense), proving that quarterbacking was no longer about just handing off the ball and staying upright.

Baugh's impact wasn’t just statistical—it was philosophical. He helped usher in the idea that the quarterback could dictate the game’s pace and rhythm. Today’s pass-heavy offenses owe a quiet debt to "Slingin’ Sammy," who helped build that foundation in Washington nearly a century ago.

Sonny Jurgensen: Precision, Intelligence, and Style

When Washington traded for Sonny Jurgensen in 1964, they weren’t just getting another strong arm. They were acquiring one of the smartest, most efficient passers the league had ever seen. Jurgensen had a unique ability to make complicated throws look effortless. He rarely forced the ball. Instead, he picked apart defenses with a surgeon’s touch.

He played for Washington until 1974, throwing for over 22,000 yards with the team and leading the NFL in passing yards five times throughout his career. What separated Jurgensen wasn’t just the production—it was the consistency and decision-making. He read defenses at the line and adjusted routes with finesse. He anticipated throws before receivers even broke off their routes. His cerebral approach added a layer of sophistication to Washington’s offense.

Even in his later years, sharing snaps with Billy Kilmer, Jurgensen remained a respected figure. He turned the quarterback role into something cerebral—equal parts skill and strategy. His influence can still be felt in how the position is coached and played, especially in systems that value efficiency over raw power.

Joe Theismann: Redefining the Role with Swagger and Leadership

Joe Theismann was more than a quarterback—he was a face of the franchise during a period of massive success. Arriving in Washington in 1974 after a stint in the CFL, Theismann didn’t start immediately. But once he took over as the full-time quarterback, he brought fire, confidence, and a competitive edge that lifted the entire team.

He wasn’t the most physically gifted passer, but Theismann thrived under pressure. He led Washington to victory in Super Bowl XVII, was named NFL MVP in 1983, and retired with over 25,000 passing yards. But what really redefined the quarterback position during his era was his leadership. Theismann was vocal, animated, and fearless—a player who embraced the spotlight.

His ability to keep plays alive with his legs, audible at the line of scrimmage, and take ownership of the offense made him a true field general. In an age when quarterbacks were often stoic and reserved, Theismann's personality stood out. He helped redefine the quarterback as a leader not just in the huddle, but across the entire locker room.

Robert Griffin III: A New Kind of Threat

By 2012, the NFL was already warming to the idea of dual-threat quarterbacks. But Robert Griffin III, selected second overall that year, took it to a new level in Washington. His arrival came with enormous hype, and during his rookie season, he lived up to it. Griffin threw for 3,200 yards, rushed for 815 more, scored 27 total touchdowns, and led Washington to its first division title since 1999.

Griffin’s performances dominated headlines. He wasn’t just a rising star—he was a weekly feature in NFL player news, as analysts debated his ceiling and defenses scrambled to adapt to his skill set. His explosiveness changed everything. Opposing defenses had to resort to spying on him at practice. Defensive ends hesitated before crashing down. Linebackers played slower, worried about his speed to the edge. RG3 wasn’t just fast—he was smart. He protected the ball, managed games well, and ran the read-option with surgical precision. That season, Washington’s offense became a puzzle that no one could figure out.

Unfortunately, injuries derailed his momentum. But the impact of his rookie season remains. RG3 showed that the quarterback position didn’t have to be confined to the pocket. He opened the door for the next generation of mobile quarterbacks—and for a brief, electric stretch—he redefined what was possible in Washington.

Jayden Daniels: The Future Arrives Early

When Washington selected Jayden Daniels second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, expectations were high—but cautious. The franchise hadn’t had consistent success at the position in years. Daniels wasted no time changing that narrative. In his rookie season, he delivered one of the most exciting and efficient performances by a first-year quarterback in league history.

Daniels set a new rookie record for completion percentage at 69.0%. He also rushed for 891 yards—the most ever by a rookie quarterback. More importantly, he led the Commanders to their first NFC Championship Game since 1991. His dual-threat capability wasn’t just a wrinkle—it was a foundation. Defenses struggled to contain his mobility, and his touch on intermediate throws punished aggressive coverages.

But Daniels is more than just a highlight reel. His poise in the pocket, rapid decision-making, and leadership have already made him the center of Washington’s resurgence. He plays with maturity, balancing aggression and caution with rare balance. In just one year, he’s shifted the entire outlook of the franchise and set a new standard for what Washington expects from its quarterback.

A Legacy of Evolution—and a Glimpse Ahead

These five quarterbacks didn’t just play the position—they transformed it. From Baugh's revolutionary arm to Daniels’ modern athleticism, each ushered in a new era for Washington. Their contributions reflect not only individual excellence but a continuous evolution of the role itself.

Washington’s quarterback legacy is more than just passing yards and accolades. It’s a story of adaptation, leadership, innovation, and impact. As Jayden Daniels begins writing the next chapter, he stands on the foundation built by legends—and is already reshaping what’s possible for those who come next.