For everyone associated with the Washington Commanders, their Divisional Round clash against the Detroit Lions was their biggest game in decades. For Jayden Daniels, it was just another day at the office.
The Commanders were 8.5-point underdogs at kickoff. That didn't matter.
They weren't tipped by many analysts to emerge victorious versus the NFC's No. 1 seed. That didn't matter either.
With Daniels under center, the Commanders always have a chance. His composure, supreme poise, and willingness to take over games got Washington to this point. He didn't plan on letting this opportunity go to waste.
Daniels' performance was nothing short of staggering. He was in complete control from start to finish. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn — one of the league's best strategists who could get a head coaching gig in the coming days — had no answer with the limited options at his disposal.
Glenn threw every blitz package in his arsenal at Daniels in the second half. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft never wavered, making key throws when it counted and utilizing his exceptional escapability to keep Washington in the ascendancy.
And now, the Commanders are one win away from the Super Bowl.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn remains in awe of Jayden Daniels
It's getting hard to find new superlatives for Daniels' impact on this franchise. He's put together the greatest rookie quarterback campaign in NFL history. He's a franchise player on and off the field — an inspiration to teammates and fans alike. As for head coach Dan Quinn? His signal-caller continues to astonish in new ways every week.
"He just has a different poise about him than most. He's a rare competitor, there's no doubt about that. But in those moments he, if he was a basketball player he'd want the last shot. As a ball player he wants the ball in his hands to make the difference. He makes great decisions with the football and that takes real mindfulness. Sometimes the best play may be [to throw it away], he uses his legs. But he is a rare competitor for us. His poise in these tight moments really stands out to us."Dan Quinn via Clutch Points
Rare. That is a good word to describe Daniels.
It's rare to see someone so young cope with the glaring spotlight. It's rare to see a signal-caller carry the weight of a sleeping giant on his shoulders and not flinch. It's rare to see a first-year pro come through in the clutch time and time again.
The Commanders have a genuine superstar. Daniels was everything those in power anticipated and much, much more. He's taken the league by storm with ruthless efficiency. And the former LSU sensation is doing it all with a smile on his face.
The job isn't finished. Daniels has already turned the page.
Washington has another challenge on the immediate horizon — the NFC Conference championship game. And if the Cajon High School product has any say in the matter, this will be another chapter in his ever-growing legend.
The sky is the limit for Daniels. It would take a brave man to bet against him now.