The Washington Commanders are back in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, and much of the credit belongs to their rookie sensation, quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Daniels, widely regarded as the frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year, has delivered an impressive season marked by late-game heroics and poised leadership.
Besides his obvious physical talent, Daniels possesses a remarkable ability to stay calm under pressure which is a rarity for a rookie quarterback.
On Saturday, Daniels will aim to lead the Commanders to their first NFC Championship appearance since the 1991 season.
But according to two NFL analysts, his potential stretches far beyond this postseason.
On a recent episode of the Scoop City podcast, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini joined former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel to discuss Daniels’ rookie season and what the future seems to hold for him.
“I truly believe Jayden Daniels is the next great quarterback in the NFL. I mean, even if they don’t win another game, it’s been an overwhelming success in Washington this year,” Daniel said.
“I’ve been saying it to you on the show that I think he’s Lamar Jackson 2.0,” Russini responded. “I think he could be better. His passing game, it’ll continue to develop and grow. I think this is what we’re going to see over the next few years.”
Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft, has already carved his name into NFL history. In last week’s wild card game, the rookie threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He also orchestrated a clutch final drive, capped by Zane Gonzalez’s 37-yard field goal as time expired, securing Washington’s first playoff victory since 2005.
The next challenge will be much greater.
Daniels and the Commanders travel to Detroit to face the NFC’s top-seeded Lions on Saturday night. A win would make Daniels one of the few rookie quarterbacks to claim two road playoff victories.
Lions head head Dan Campbell admitted that his defense will have their hands full against Daniels.
“He is dangerous. He poses a major threat. He does not play the position like a rookie quarterback. He’s composed, he understands how to progress, he sees the field well, he can buy time with his legs, he’s a dangerous runner,” Campbell said.
“[Mobile quarterbacks are not] easy to stop, and there’s a reason for that. Look, we know we got our hands full. But we’re gonna have a plan in place. … And you know what? [Daniels] may make a run. He may pop a run or two. You know?
“That’s just the nature of the game and the way that some of these guys are able to maneuver. But that doesn’t mean that you win the game.”
Daniels and the Commanders are in the unique position of having virtually nothing to lose. After all, the Lions are a heavy-favorite and all of the pressure is on them.
This fact makes Washington even more dangerous.
If anything, Daniels will be even more loose than normal and that could present some extra trouble for Detroit’s inconsistent defense.
What are your thoughts on the matchup? … Do you give the Commanders any shot to pull off the shocking upset???
