Commanders vs. Cardinals: Which rookie performs best, Jayden Daniels or Marvin Harrison Jr.?

Wendi Oliveros

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Commanders vs. Cardinals: Which rookie performs best, Jayden Daniels or Marvin Harrison Jr.? image

It is the battle of the rookies in the Week 4 matchup between the 2-1 Washington Commanders and the 1-2 Arizona Cardinals.

Jayden Daniels is the Commanders QB1. He was the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.  He also won the Heisman Trophy.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is the Cardinals WR1.  He was the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.  He finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Though they are not on the field at the same time facing one another, their accomplishments will be compared.  Who will play better?

The short answer is we don't know until they play the game.  The long answer is that there is reason to believe both could have good games against the other's defense.

In Jayden Daniels' favor is the fact that the Arizona Cardinals' defense has had difficulty getting pressure so he could have a clean pocket and time to throw or run.  They are ranked 27th in the NFL in generating pressure.

In Marvin Harrison Jr.'s favor is facing a Commanders' defense that has given up nine passing touchdowns in three games.

Arizona's defense is ranked higher than Washington's on most measurable statistics including red zone and third down defensive stops which could tip the battle of the rookies in favor of Marvin Harrison Jr. 

Will Kliff Kinsbury be an unmeasurable factor in helping Washington to succeed?  That's another question to consider.  He is the former head coach of the Cardinals and the current Commanders offensive coordinator.  He knows and respects Kyler Murray while helping in the development of Jayden Daniels.

Watch the Washington Commanders take on the Arizona Cardinals at 4:25 PM ET on Sunday, September 29.

Wendi Oliveros

Wendi Oliveros Photo

Wendi Oliveros is an avid sports fan who has reported on NFL, MLB, and professional tennis throughout her career. She lives in PA but is not a Steelers or Eagles fan. She is a lifelong Baltimore Orioles fan, and her favorite tennis tournament is the US Open, which she has been privileged to attend a few times.