Jayden Daniels hasn't been short of adulation across the national media this season. The Washington Commanders quarterback quickly took the league by storm throughout a mesmerizing rookie campaign to date. His latest clutch showing cemented the team's postseason place in thrilling style.
There is no moment too big for Daniels. He thrives under the spotlight and almost always comes through in key moments. Everyone associated with the Commanders believes they have a chance against anybody with the former LSU sensation under center.
Daniels led a masterful overtime drive with the entire NFL audience watching on versus the Atlanta Falcons. His poise, willingness to put his body on the line, and exceptional production came to the fore once again. It propelled him into legitimate superstardom and cemented his status as one of the league's best closers.
Steve Smith Sr. compares Commanders QB Jayden Daniels to Patrick Mahomes
This was a sentiment echoed by former wide receiver turned analyst Steve Smith Sr. The Triple Crown winner compared his aura to thrive in the most crucial moments to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. High praise indeed for someone in Year 1 of their professional journey.
"There’s some traits of Patrick Mahomes in Jayden Daniels, in terms of there is a vibe around him, just a feeling or you’re around them, and they just bring out this essence of ‘Oh, we’re going to win.' There’s no vibe to them that they will not succeed."Steve Smith Sr.
If Daniels goes on to accomplish half of what Mahomes has managed during his time in the league, the Commanders will be delighted. They are way ahead of schedule right now, but the dual-threat weapon needs more help to take that next step into the NFL MVP conversation.
Daniels taking games over through a unique combination of accuracy and rushing prowess is fine for now. Whether it's sustainable or not remains to be seen, especially considering opposing defenses would like nothing more than to provide physical hits on the No. 2 pick to either knock him out of the game or restrict his influence.
Mahomes has proven a balance can be found. He relies more on pocket passing, but the signal-caller has no trouble improvizing and even taking off on the run if the situation dictates.
Both are among the most trusted quarterbacks in the clutch. That's not up for discussion.
Making comparisons is a little unfair to Daniels with his NFL journey still in its infancy. He's more intent on carving out his path rather than trying to mimic anybody else. Whatever he's doing behind the scenes, it's having the desired effect.
The Commanders are in good hands with Daniels. He carries himself like a seasoned veteran and moves on from one play to the next effortlessly. When his teammates look at him in the huddle, they have 100 percent conviction he's going to come through for them.
That's arguably the biggest positive above all else. And even though Daniels will be participating in his first NFL postseason game in the coming weeks, there's nothing to suggest he cannot remain composed when the margins get finer.
After all, Daniels has passed every test so far with flying colors.