Jayden Daniels wins respect of Ravens veteran after standout Week 6 showing

Jayden Daniels couldn't spearhead the Washington Commanders to a bombshell victory at the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6. However, it wasn't for a lack of trying.

The quarterback turned in a polished performance, going toe-to-toe with two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson before falling short. This was largely down to the team's defensive failings rather than the signal-caller, who managed to enhance his blossoming reputation versus one of the league's most ferocious defenses.

Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith laid down the gauntlet to Daniels before the contest, claiming he was just a rookie and Baltimore was ready to provide the biggest stumbling block on his meteoric rise to superstardom so far. It was the best defense he's faced - there's no doubt about that - but he emerged from the clash with tremendous credit by protecting the football and coming up big in critical moments.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels earned Roquan Smith's respect in Week 6

This was noticed by Smith during his post-game comments. Daniels earned his respect through toughness, determination, and an ability to carve open defenses in various ways. The second-level enforcer also highlighted his confidence that the Commanders have an incredibly bright future with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft under center.

"Washington is in good hands with [Jayden Daniels]. I think the guy is… He's the truth, for sure. He can run it, he can throw it - whatever you want - and for him to come into a hostile environment and perform the way he did, I've got much respect for him. He took some licks, too, so the guy… I heard he was tough as nails, anyway, and even from watching him in college at a couple of games, but he showed that. So, much respect and love for that guy, and yes, Washington is in good hands."

- Roquan Smith via X

While these comments are nice and will be a big confidence boost for Daniels, the result is all that matters. He's a winner with an elite mindset everyone in Washington is fully behind. Playing well and the team losing isn't going to mean much. Praise from former pros and opposing teams is all well and good, but it does nothing for the overall goal.

Football players know a thing or two. They see what Daniels is and could be once he accumulates more experience. The Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU is off to a sensational start and the Commanders are much further ahead than anyone anticipated at 4-2. They also have some winnable games upcoming on the schedule that could improve their 2024 aspirations further.

Daniels will be striving with everything he has to lift others around him and lead from the front. This is the franchise player Washington's been looking for. That's why it's so important to maximize his rookie contract and get some obvious problem areas up to the required standard.

This is the Commanders' window over the next three or four years before Daniels becomes extension eligible. If general manager Adam Peters can extend his impressive start to life in the role, this storied organization might be among the contenders before you know it.

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