Former NFL MVP says Jayden Daniels could be a ‘one-hit wonder’

The Washington Commanders open training camp in less than three weeks. Quarterback Jayden Daniels will begin his second NFL season, and hopes are extremely high for Daniels and the Commanders after last season’s surprising 12-5 campaign.

After such a phenomenal season, what can Daniels do for an encore? Washington general manager Adam Peters spent the offseason surrounding his franchise quarterback with a revamped offensive line, led by five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and also acquired former Pro Bowl wide receiver Deebo Samuel to pair with Terry McLaurin.

Some believe Daniels could suffer a sophomore slump. He wouldn’t be the first young superstar to take a step back in his second season. However, former NFL MVP Cam Newton takes it a step further, raising the question of whether Daniels could be a one-hit wonder.

On a recent edition of his podcast, “Funky Friday,” Newton’s special guest was rapper Wale. Wale is also a Washington Commanders superfan.

“Do you fear that Jayden Daniels could be a potential one-hit wonder?” Newton asked Wale.

“No,” Wale responded. Then, Newton asked what made Daniels different.

“He loves the game too much,” Wale answered. “You know, you got people that don’t love the game, they love what comes with the game. That boy loves the game. He just loves the game.”

Then, Newton brought up a comparison that no Washington fan wants to hear: Robert Griffin III.

“There was nobody who had the game in a chokehold like Robert Griffin III,” Newton said. “I see that same thing happening for Jayden and, you know, being in that community, do you fear that?” he asked Wale.

Wale brought up a great point from a Washington fan perspective. Fans are optimistic about Daniels and this new regime, but that “PTSD,” as Wale called it, remains until there is sustained success.

You can watch the episode here:

It’s easy to dismiss Newton as a hater here. However, remember, he shares a similar history with both Griffin and Daniels. Newton won the Heisman Trophy in 2010 and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. In 2011, he was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Griffin won the 2011 Heisman, was the No. 2 pick in the 2012 NFL draft and the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012. Daniels was the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner and the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Newton experienced much more success in the NFL than Griffin. Griffin had a phenomenal rookie season, but that was it. Newton was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2015 NFL MVP. He never reached the highs of that season again.

Daniels is considered a much more advanced passer than either Newton or Griffin at the same stage of their careers.

As for Newton’s question, will Daniels be a one-hit wonder? Don’t bet on it. But we’ll see soon enough.