5 major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance vs. the Steelers

Jayden Daniels' grew in stature

Jayden Daniels got a rude awakening early in the game at Northwest Stadium. Fortunately for the signal-caller and the Washington Commanders, he shook it off and grew in stature as the contest progressed.

Things started clicking effectively at the end of the first half - it was mostly one-way traffic before that despite the Washington Commanders taking advantage of a fake punt. Daniels led a momentum-swinging drive that finally got him into a rhythm. There was a heavy reliance on a rushing attack led by veteran free-agent signing Austin Ekeler. This created a little extra space, which is all the Heisman Trophy winner needed.

This crispness was evident early in the second half, so this surge forward wasn't just a flash in the pan. Daniels adapted incredibly well versus an outstanding defense. He was asked a lot of questions. He had the right answers more often than not.

It was a physical battle with no half-measures given for either club. Daniels responded well to his initial struggles. That was all the Commanders wanted from their signal-caller to give them a fighting chance.

Jayden Daniels' primary connection came to life

Big games call for big players. There is nobody more important than Jayden Daniels, but Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin comes pretty close. This connection was going to be integral to Washington's hopes of claiming another notable scalp on home soil.

The Commanders needed this chemistry between Daniels and McLaurin to go up a notch in this one. He wasn't short of motivation after being challenged by Steelers' cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in the build-up. It's a test he answered emphatically en route to an exceptional afternoon.

Daniels' understanding of where McLaurin wants the ball and when to deliver it is coming on encouragingly. The former third-round pick out of Ohio State is relishing the opportunity to work with a genuine franchise quarterback for the first time in his pro career. This blossoming relationship can provide the catalyst behind renewed hope in D.C.

McLaurin eventually finished the game with five receptions from six targets for 113 receiving yards. This would have been even better had some pass interference infringements not taken off chunk-play opportunities. The wideout deserves credit, but Daniels putting him in positions to thrive is something that cannot be overlooked.