The must-see QBs go head-to-head when Jayden Daniels and the Commanders visit Lamar Jackson and the Ravens

Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders scored the most points in the NFL this season, with the rookie quarterback beating opponents who threw and ran the ball. Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are not far behind, with the double and reigning MVP according to a similar recipe.

They meet on Sunday in a showdown of Heisman Trophy winner QBs that you have to see when they run highly dynamic offenses that shine on their own merits and don't want to be constantly measured against each other.

“I don’t like when people really like to compare me to Lamar and vice versa,” Daniels said. “I want to be known as Jayden Daniels and not the next one or the other.”

Jackson said Daniels is “his own player, his own man” and that they are “just trying to make a name for themselves.”

The next opportunity is this weekend in Baltimore. The Commanders Experience a four-game winning streak That brings them to 4-1, the Ravens have won three in a row to improve to 3-2, and it's the game of the week because Daniels and Jackson are on the field together as professionals for the first time.

“It's kind of the first time we've had one of those matchups where two quarterbacks really have a lot of success and are similar in some ways,” said veteran running back Austin Ekeler, who is playing his first season with Washington. “These guys are dynamic runners. Jayden is obviously new to the NFL and coming into the scene, but Lamar has had a lot of respect, so I’m excited for this matchup.”

There are many reasons for the comparisons, not only given their style of play but also the numbers they put up. Jackson and Daniels are the only two players in NFL history to average more than 200 yards passing and more than 50 yards rushing over their careers — although one has done so since 2018 and the other has played five games.

Jackson has thrown for 1,206 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception and rushed for 363 yards this season. Daniels said he is a fan and appreciates what Daniels has done for the sport and black quarterbacks.

Daniels, the No. 2 pick in the draft, has thrown for 1,135 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions and has completed a league-best 77.5% of his passes. He also ran for 300 yards and four touchdowns and caught Jackson's attention more than a few times.

“I caught a glimpse of his game on social media and stuff like that, and he's killing it,” Jackson said. “He’s doing what we saw in college that won him the Heisman.”

Although the Commanders are on a roll, the Ravens are the 6 1/2-point favorite at BetMGM Sportsbook, consistent with their status as a Super Bowl contender. Washington isn't quite there yet, although optimism is growing about making the playoffs. While Daniels' teammates are excited to see what he does next, they don't want him to overexert himself.

“He’s still early in his career and it’s about continuing to have success in this league,” Commanders tight end Zach Ertz said. “We have every confidence that Jayden will be that guy for a long time. But we also don't need him to feel like he has to go out and outdo Lamar. He just has to go out there and be the best version of himself.”

Ravens 'D' change

Baltimore is coming along the second worst pass defense in the league, ahead of only Jacksonville. The Ravens have allowed their opponents to throw for 280.2 yards per game and are getting away with it Overtime win in Cincinnati while allowing 392 yards and five touchdowns to Joe Burrows.

“Most of our issues are not structural,” All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton said. “It’s just basic things. We have to tackle, we have to overcome blockages, we have to communicate, and we've been saying that for five weeks now, so it's time to start.”

Enter veteran assistant Dean Pees, who was hired this week to join defensive coordinator Zach Orr's staff as a senior advisor. Coach John Harbaugh believes Pees — a former Ravens defensive coordinator — will be a useful addition, providing fresh eyes and a sounding board for the players.

“We kind of have to deal with everything right now, and I think that's a big part of our organization and our defense: There are no egos,” Hamilton said. “(Orr) could have easily said, 'No, we're going to fix it internally,' but (it's good) to be humble enough and be willing to bring in someone who knows what they're doing.”

Commander “D” is improving

Before the garbage time of a 34-13 blowout Against Cleveland, the Commanders held Deshaun Watson and the Browns to just six points with two field goals and 149 yards in the first three quarters. They sacked Watson seven times and stopped him on all 12 of his third-down attempts.

It was a significant improvement after some early season struggles for a group that included six new starters. Third-year cornerback Benjamin St-Juste feels the chemistry finally working.

“We’re in sync,” St-Juste said. “Once we start playing in sync – the D-line, the linebackers, the DBs, everything plays off each other and that's what makes a great defense.”

Local rivalry?

The teams' stadiums are located in Maryland and are less than 30 miles (48 kilometers) apart. Washington is in the NFC East and Baltimore is in the AFC North, so they don't play each other very often.

Daniels admits he's new here, but he's adamant that “it's not really a rivalry.”

“Obviously people might look at it as a rivalry, but to us, man, it’s just another game,” Daniels said.

Because of the proximity, Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike expects there will be plenty of fans from each team in the stands.

“I expect it will be loud,” he said. “It’s going to rock. It’s going to be a great game.”

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AP Freelancer Todd Karpovich in Owings Mills, Maryland, contributed to this report.

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