After leading Tampa Bay to its first victory of the 2026 season against the Dallas Cowboys, Jalon Daniels is beginning to show that he can do more than simply manage the offense in Baker Mayfield's absence. His Week 5 performance was among the most efficient in the NFL, and the advanced numbers back it up. Daniels finished ninth among quarterbacks in total Expected Points Added (EPA) during Week 5, generating +7.1 EPA across 31 dropbacks. That placed him ahead of Aaron Rodgers (+3.6) and just behind Jacoby Brissett (+7.2), Joe Burrow (+7.3), and Trevor Lawrence (+7.5). For a rookie making his first few NFL starts, finding himself among established veterans in such an important efficiency category is encouraging.
Daniels also averaged +0.23 EPA
per dropback, meaning Tampa Bay's passing offense consistently added expected points when he was involved. His 45.2% success rate further highlights an offense that generated positive results without relying entirely on explosive passing plays. However, Daniels finished with an average target depth of just 4.36 yards, the lowest among the top 10 quarterbacks in total EPA. Tampa Bay clearly emphasized shorter throws, allowing Daniels to get the football out quickly and put its playmakers in position to create yards after the catch. With Bucky Irving rushing for 165 yards, Tampa Bay didn't need Daniels to constantly attack downfield or carry the offense through the air. Instead, Robinson leaned on the running game while putting his rookie quarterback in manageable situations.
There is still plenty Daniels needs to improve, particularly when it comes to stretching defenses vertically. However, his ability to operate efficiently within the offense is a significant development for a team that entered Week 5 searching for answers. With Mayfield still sidelined, Daniels has an opportunity to prove he can keep Tampa Bay competitive. Ranking ninth in total EPA is another encouraging step in his development, and if the Buccaneers can continue pairing his efficiency with Irving's explosiveness, this offense could finally start finding some consistency.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs find reason for optimism in rookie QB’s top 10 ranking
