There is nothing Jayden Daniels cannot do on the football field. No moment is too big. He takes everything in his stride and remains cool in any situation. This came to the fore once again as the Washington Commanders dug deep for an impressive Wild Card round success at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers threw everything at Daniels. From creative blitzes to shutting down the run and disguised coverages aplenty, there was nothing else they could do. And it still wasn't enough.
Daniels is special. He's a cold-blooded killer who thrives under the spotlight. When the Commanders need him to come through in the clutch, he rises to the occasion. His talent is one thing, but the will and determination to find solutions to all problems separate him from most quarterbacks around the league.
For all the positives to emerge from Washington's dream run throughout 2024, and they are in plentiful supply, none are more important than the decision to select Daniels at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's the franchise player — the man capable of leading this once-proud franchise into perennial contention. And it'll take something special to stop him.
Todd Bowles had no answer for Commanders QB Jayden Daniels
This was a sentiment echoed by Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles after the game. He seemed almost resigned to the fact Daniels was going to get the job done after demonstrating his supreme poise throughout the season. The respected defensive mind did all he could, but the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU is a different animal.
"He’s done it all year. He has no conscience. I’m not surprised because we’ve seen him do it all year."Todd Bowles
Daniels is striking fear into those around the league. He carries himself with an unflappable aura. The Cajon High School product knows that his hard work and relentless preparation will see him through. There's nothing to be nervous about if you know how to react to any situation or environment.
Whether Daniels can keep up his exceptional recent run is the big question.
The dual-threat weapon needs more help from his teammates during their divisional round clash with the Detroit Lions. They are the NFC's juggernaut, especially at home in front of a rabid fanbase starved of success. The margin for error goes from slim to nonexistent considering how quickly Ben Johnson's offense can put up points. Daniels must deliver.
Regardless of how things go for Daniels at Ford Field on Saturday Night Football, his status is secure. He's a star in every sense of the term. He's one of the league's premier closers. He's the answer to Washington's prayers.
The legend around Daniels grows with every performance. Not many will fancy the Commanders to secure an upset next weekend, but that's just the way he likes it.
And if the Lions had any sense, they wouldn't provide Daniels with even a slight window of opportunity down the stretch. Otherwise, the consequences could be severe.