NFL rookie QB rushing record: Commanders' Jayden Daniels could make the list

In recent NFL history, we've seen quarterbacks enter the league and make an immediate impact in the running game. This generation of signal-callers has redefined the position and the expectations. Quarterbacks like Michael Vick and Cam Newton set the standard for dual-threat quarterbacks, and one rookie quarterback is taking the league by storm in 2024, following in their slipstream.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has displayed his dual-threat abilities early on. The 2024 No. 2 overall pick has rushed for 132 yards in the first two games of his NFL career, which is on pace for 1,100 yards this season. If he keeps that pace, he'll smash the rookie record.

Passing is down early in 2024. Entering Week 3, NFL quarterbacks have thrown for the fewest yards per game (193.6), the lowest since 1992 (187.6). Defenses across the league have increased two-high safety looks, so a quarterback who can impact the running game is growing more valuable weekly. Guys like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes are perennial MVP candidates due to their legs in addition to their arms.

Here's a look at the all-time rushing yards leaders by rookie quarterbacks in NFL history.

Most rushing yards by rookie QB

Robert Griffin III holds the current record for most rushing yards in a rookie season by a quarterback. He accomplished this in 2012 with Washington, earning the honors of Offensive Rookie of the Year. RGIII had 120 rush attempts, leading the NFL with 6.8 yards per rush. Daniels is on pace for over 220 rush attempts. That would exceed Lamar Jackson's 147 rushing attempts for the most in a rookie season.

• Robert Griffin III (Washington, 2012): 815 rush yards

• Cam Newton (Carolina, 2011): 706 rush yards

• Lamar Jackson (Baltimore, 2018): 695 rush yards

• Josh Allen (Buffalo, 2018): 631 rush yards

• Vince Young (Tennessee, 2006): 552 rush yards

• Kyler Murray (Arizona, 2019): 544 rush yards

• Billy Kilmer (San Francisco, 1961): 509 rush yards

• Russell Wilson (Seattle, 2012): 489 rush yards

• Justin Fields (Chicago, 2021): 420 rush yards

What's most impressive is that Daniels had zero turnovers in his first two games. Entering Week 3, he has outperformed the two other rookie quarterbacks who have started this season: Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears and Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos. Daniels hasn't thrown a touchdown pass yet, but he's produced on the ground.

Most rush TDs by rookie QB

Cam Newton used his big frame to maximum efficiency in 2011, hitting pay dirt 11 times with the Panthers.

• Cam Newton (Carolina, 2011): 14

• Billy Kilmer (San Francisco, 1961): 10

• Josh Allen (Buffalo, 2018): 8

• Robert Griffin III (Washington, 2012): 7

• Vince Young (Tennessee, 2006): 7

• Dak Prescott (Dallas, 2016): 6

• Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay, 2015): 6

• Geno Smith (New York Jets, 2013): 6

• Tim Tebow (Denver, 2010): 6

• Chris Weinke (Carolina, 2001): 6

Daniels will lead the Commanders on the road in Week 3 on "Monday Night Football" against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Most rushing yards by rookie QB: Jayden Daniels on pace