ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky rips into narrative Jayden Daniels belongs in early MVP conversation

ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky understands what quarterback Jayden Daniels is compiling in his rookie season for the Washington Commanders. However, Orlovsky is not ready to proclaim Daniels a part of the early-season MVP conversation as we hit October.

During an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” Thursday morning, Orlovsky was asked about whether or not it would be an “overreaction” to put Daniels in the MVP conversation. The former NFL QB himself said it is a current overreaction and called on Daniels to play a better team first.

As Stephen A. Smith called out Orlovsky for being “inconsistent” in his analysis, Orlovsky was quick to point out there is still a path for Daniels to enter the conversation as a rookie. Considering we’re 4 games into the season, that’s not really a reach.

“Until they go and play a really good team, and he plays that way against a really good defense again… beat a good team with a good defense and then he’s going to get into that conversation just like (CJ) Stroud last year,” explained Orlovsky.

.@danorlovsky7 believes it’s an overreaction to include Jayden Daniels in the MVP conversation pic.twitter.com/MagxvnTq6L

— First Take (@FirstTake) October 3, 2024

RELATED: While the MVP conversation is a new angle for Daniels, he is currently the betting favorite for the Offensive Rookie of the Year with DraftKings listing the former LSU start at -175. Be sure to check out SDS’s Louisiana sports betting app to get in on the odds.

While Washington has started 3-1 on the season, Daniels has 7 total touchdowns and is off to a wild start with a league-leading 82.1% completion percentage. That is already an NFL record for any QB across the first 4 games of a season.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.