The Washington Commanders have a superstar on their hands in Jayden Daniels. His remarkable transition from college to the pros galvanized a once-downtrodden organization and spearheaded a successful quest for the postseason. And make no mistake, this is just the start.
Daniels has the world at his feet. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft's poise, precision, and composure in the biggest moments are a refreshing change of pace. He was the right pick — there is no doubt about that whatsoever.
Another starring effort from Daniels to clinch Washington's playoff spot against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football was swiftly followed by a Pro Bowl selection at the first time of asking. The praise across the media and from current pros is in plentiful supply. Once the Commanders surround their franchise player with better quality, the only way is up.
Micah Parsons hails Commanders QB Jayden Daniels' supreme composure
Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons, who'll face Daniels once again this weekend when Washington makes the trip to AT&T Stadium, was highly complimentary of the signal-caller during his latest podcast. There was almost a sense of resignation regarding the trouble his squad is in long-term after dominating this rivalry in recent years.
"If he didn't have that rub injury, we're looking at an MVP conversation for him. He's locked up Offensive Rookie of the Year. I haven't seen more of a cold-blooded rookie since I've been in the NFL. And probably besides Lamar [Jackson], the last five, seven years. I think he's at a different level. I think he's been the best rookie in recent years with in-game situations. We have to score. We have to win. His composure, I get he's a 25-year-old rookie, but his composure is like he's been in the league for the last four or five years."Micah Parsons
Micah Parsons on Jayden Daniels:
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) January 4, 2025
“I think if he didn’t have that rib injury, we’re looking at, you know, a MVP conversation for him…I haven’t seen more of a cold blooded rookie since I’ve been in the NFL and probably the past besides Lamar, probably past five, seven years…”… pic.twitter.com/vb8bTESSuW
The Cowboys are running scared of Daniels. They aren't alone in that regard.
This new regime wouldn't be going as well had the Commanders taken anybody else at No. 2 overall. Daniels' relentless work ethic, ability to come through the clutch, and natural leadership aura have dragged this organization from perennial underachievement into the national spotlight quicker than anticipated. Parsons recognizes that Dallas has a fight on its hands to stay competitive within an NFC East division that also houses the Philadelphia Eagles.
Daniels didn't enjoy the best of fortunes versus Dallas earlier in the season. But as Parsons mentioned, the rib complication suffered on the opening drive against the Carolina Panthers had a lot to do with that.
The former LSU standout will be eager to put that right and cement the sixth seed for Washington. That's bad news for the Cowboys, who are playing for nothing other than pride after another campaign that promised much has delivered very little.
Parsons knows that the Cowboys have their work cut out trying to contain Daniels, who's already being discussed among the NFL's elite signal-callers in Year 1 of his professional career. Not just this weekend for their regular-season finale, but long into the future.