5 major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance vs. the Steelers
By Dean Jones
Jayden Daniels has taken the NFL by storm through the first half of 2024. The Washington Commanders are flying high thanks in no small part to his exceptional production under center. Something special is happening and fans are embracing it fully. The No. 2 overall selection in the draft is a big reason why.
Daniels has more momentum than anyone dreamed at this stage of his professional journey. Keeping it up heading into the business end of the campaign is the next challenge. This all started by taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers in a crucial Week 10 matchup.
The Steelers are well-versed in how to restrict quarterbacks with Daniels' skill set. They have come up against and done well against two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson during their divisional showdowns with the Baltimore Ravens. They were hoping for similar accomplishments in the face of another potential rookie superstar at Northwest Stadium.
As it turned out, a game that went back and forth didn't go Washington's way. Daniels was given a tough time of things, but he gave it everything before coming up agonizingly short.
With this in mind, here are five major observations from Daniels' performance against a vaunted Steelers defense in Week 10.
Major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance in Week 10
Jayden Daniels under duress
It didn't take long to figure out that this was going to be a tricky afternoon at the office for Jayden Daniels. The Pittsburgh Steelers swarmed the signal-caller from the first snap. Their strategy wasn't like anything he's experienced since entering the league.
Daniels is a cool customer who thrives under pressure. He kept his cool despite the Steelers blitzing him from all angles. Head coach Mike Tomlin used almost the same game plan he deployed to counteract the supreme threat Lamar Jackson brought to the table. This meant processing needed to be rapid and the decisions made quickly in pursuit of moving the chains.
Things weren't perfect. There was some hesitancy when Daniels came under duress, but he didn't look flustered at any stage. If anything, the former LSU star rose to the challenge with his customary determination.
It was only slight. But this is another sign that the Commanders have the right man under center to lead their renaissance.