Jalon Daniels Shows Promise in First NFL Start Despite Loss
Former Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels made his first NFL start Sunday, and while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell 17-14 to the Green Bay Packers, the rookie showed several signs of why Tampa Bay trusted him to take over at quarterback.
Daniels was making his first career start after Baker Mayfield suffered a thumb injury. The former Jayhawk became the first undrafted rookie to start at quarterback for the Buccaneers. According to Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Daniels finished 19-of-27 passing for 148 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also added 55 rushing yards on eight carries.
The start did not begin the way Daniels wanted. He threw an interception during the first quarter when Green Bay safety Evan Williams stepped in front of a pass intended for Emeka Egbuka. Daniels later threw another interception, and both turnovers helped Green Bay turn mistakes into points.
Even with those mistakes, Daniels showed the ability to make plays with his legs and keep the Buccaneers' offense moving. His longest run of the afternoon went for 21 yards on a third-and-two situation. His mobility was one of the biggest positives from his first NFL start and gave Tampa Bay another way to move the football.
Daniels became more comfortable as the game continued. Tampa Bay entered the fourth quarter trailing 17-7, but the rookie quarterback helped lead a strong comeback attempt.
Daniels directed an 84-yard touchdown drive that lasted 12 plays. The drive featured several important plays from the rookie, including his 21-yard run. He eventually finished the possession by connecting with Kenny Gainwell for a 10-yard touchdown pass, cutting the Packers' lead to 17-14.
The Buccaneers had another opportunity to tie or take the lead late in the game, but the final drive stalled. Daniels was sacked with less than two minutes remaining before Tampa Bay's final possession ended without a score.
According to Jayhawk Roundtable, Daniels' first start gave Kansas fans another opportunity to watch one of the program's most recognizable quarterbacks begin his professional career.
There were certainly mistakes for Daniels to learn from. He was sacked three times and the two interceptions were costly, especially against a Green Bay team that was able to turn Tampa Bay's turnovers into 10 points. Still, completing 19 of 27 passes showed that Daniels was able to remain accurate despite the pressure of his first start.
After the game, Daniels acknowledged that the result was not what he wanted but said he could learn from the experience. Kansas Athletics fans will now have another reason to follow the former Jayhawk as he prepares for Tampa Bay's next game.
The Buccaneers will have a quick turnaround, facing the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night. For Daniels, it will be another opportunity to show that his first NFL start was only the beginning.
His first start ended with a loss, but Daniels showed enough mobility, toughness and playmaking ability to give Tampa Bay something to build around.
