When the Commanders selected Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick last April, the hope was that he would help the team become a contender in the NFC again in the coming years.
This hope was deceptive, as it only took a few months for Daniels to change the fortunes of the franchise. Five straight wins at the end of the regular season got the team back into the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season, their Wild Card win over the Bucs was their first playoff win since the 2005 season and the 45-31 on Saturday night Lions have them in the NFC title game for the first time in 33 years.
Daniels was 22 of 31 for 299 yards and two touchdowns while running for 51 yards, making him the sixth rookie quarterback to start a conference title game. Head coach Dan Quinn tried to explain what sets Daniels apart during his postgame press conference.
“He just has a different attitude than most He is a rare competitorQuinn said. “There is no doubt about that. But in those moments – if he were a basketball player, he would want the last shot. As a ballplayer, he wants the ball in his hands to make the difference and he makes great decisions with the football. This requires real mindfulness.”
Daniels and the Commanders may have arrived ahead of schedule, but they won’t be sneaking up on anyone anymore because an elite quarterback is the fastest way to succeed in the NFL, and the latest addition to that group lives in Washington. That’s why it shouldn’t surprise anyone if Daniels becomes the first of these rookies to lead his team to the Super Bowl.