Jayden Daniels' poise
Jayden Daniels meant business. There was hesitancy last weekend, but that wasn't the case this time around. He was poised throughout, giving the Washington Commanders a stable presence when it looked like they might get overwhelmed.
There isn't much, if anything, that flusters Daniels. He is the model of consistency and has a fantastic ability to move on from one play to the next. He also looked comfortable in offensive coordinator David Blough's system, tailored to his strengths with considerable input from the signal-caller.
Daniels was surgical. There was a nice mix of checkdowns, getting out on the move, and shots downfield. And when the Commanders went into NASCAR mode, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft had no trouble getting everyone in the correct spots quickly.
This is the Daniels fans took to their hearts during a rookie campaign for the ages. He was in complete control. It looked like the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders, for whatever reason. And it looked like he was having fun.
And when Daniels is having fun, good things happen.
Smart football players always look in command. Daniels is one of them, and it oozed out of him against the Cowboys.
Jayden Daniels' first half
Jayden Daniels was magnificent in the first half. No other word could describe him, and his exceptional contribution kept the Commanders in the contest despite early defensive frailties.
The Arizona State product moved the football effectively. He took what the defense gave him, and his decisiveness in every big moment was exemplary. Dallas' defense struggled to contain him in almost every phase.
When Daniels got time in the pocket, he made things happen. Even when he didn't, the signal-caller had the improvisation skills to keep the chains moving. He's a quick thinker and an elite athlete, a dangerous combination that gave the Cowboys untold problems in the opening two quarters.
This showed up in Daniels' first-half stats, which showed just how much he sprang to life when the Commanders needed it most.
- 64.71 percent completion
- 96 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
- 0 interceptions
- 0 sacks against
- 69 rushing yards
- 99.1 passer rating (ESPN)
That was where the positives ended.
Daniels stood on an offensive lineman's foot on the final play of the half, and, trying to get a play off, he fell awkwardly on the elbow he dislocated last season. The concern was immediate, and Tom Brady's reaction in the booth said it all.
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