On3 Roundtable: Jayden Daniels wants to be more aggressive downfield in 2023

Brian Kelly struck big when Jayden Daniels decided to return to college for another season. Not only was LSU going to continue its positive momentum but Daniels would have the opportunity to improve different aspects of his game. If he is one day going to play in the NFL, there is work to be done for another year in Baton Rouge.

Being aggressive downfield is one specific area Daniels is looking to make significant progress. Shea Dixon of The Bengal Tiger spoke on the topic during the On3 Roundtable, discussing about the mindset change that occurred this offseason. Daniels will not have concerns about turning the ball over and instead, be willing for some big-time plays.

“He became a quarterback that was more than just dual threat later in the season when they really worked on the vertical passing game,” Dixon said. “And that led to explosive plays and that was something missing from LSU’s passing attack during different parts of the season — certainly in the earlier parts of the season. So, this offseason, the big thing for Jayden has been worrying less about making that big mistake.

“Only two interceptions a year ago but he didn’t put them in a lot of spots where there were 50/50 balls or they were going deep… I think he understands that, he’s talked about it, and going into Week 1, this season, I think he wants to be a quarterback that leans more on the downfield passing attack than we’ve ever seen him do before.”

Daniels finished second in the SEC in completion percentage (68.6%) but was seventh in passing yards (2,913 yards) and ninth in passing touchdowns (17). LSU seems willing to let the first number slip if Daniels can add in the yards and touchdown department.

Florida State looking to counter Jayden Daniels in season opener

If Daniels is going to make an adjustment to his game, teams are going to have to change their strategies as well. Florida State will get the first crack at LSU in the 2023 season, meeting back up for what should be a thrilling rematch in Orlando.

Ira Schoffel of Warchat.com thinks the Seminoles match up well thanks to the defensive line. Head coach Mike Norvell has made the front Florida State’s best unit, having multiple impact players who will be chasing after Daniels.

“I think they’re going to be the key to that game,” Schoffel said. “Florida State has got a good secondary, they got good linebackers but the strength of this football team will be that defensive front. Not only do you return Jared Verse, Fabien Lovett, Patrick Peyton, the ACC defensive rookie of the year — but you also brought in several transfers.”

Three defensive line players were added through the NCAA transfer portal. Darrell Jackson comes via Miami, while South Carolina‘s Gilber Edmond and Western Michigan‘s Braden Fiske head south.

With those guys, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller will have a different mindset against LSU this season. Instead of attempting to contain Daniels, Florida State is going to be more aggressive with its pass rush.

“That front four, which is really a front eight, I think is going to be key to the game,” Schoffel said. “I think the idea early last season was don’t let Jayden Daniels beat you with his legs. Now, Florida State is more aware of his passing ability and I really think they are going to try to put pressure on him in the pocket. Last year, the idea was don’t let him out of the pocket. Now, I think they’re really going to try to get after him.”

Florida State was able to get four sacks in New Orleans last season, two of them coming from Verse. They will be hoping the number improves in Orlando, especially if Daniels is going to hang in the pocket longer and allow downfield plays to develop.