When the Washington Commanders drafted Jayden Daniels, they knew they were getting a special talent. But few could have predicted just how critical the electric rookie quarterback would be to their playoff hopes in his debut campaign. With injuries piling up and the postseason on the line, Daniels’ growth and game-breaking ability may very well determine if Washington is playing football come January.
The Jayden Daniels Effect
Since bursting onto the scene with a historic start, Daniels has only gotten better. His mobility and improvisation skills have been a godsend for an offense missing key weapons like receiver Noah Brown and running back Austin Ekeler. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has marveled at the rookie’s progress, especially in the red zone where his completion percentage and touchdowns have skyrocketed of late.
“You can tell he’s just rested, feeling better and hopefully that can lead to really good play down the stretch,” Kingsbury said of Daniels, who has notched five touchdowns and completed over 80% of his throws the past two games.
– Kliff Kingsbury, Commanders offensive coordinator
That production boost couldn’t come at a better time. With a 9-5 record, Washington currently occupies the NFC’s 6th seed. But a brutally tough closing stretch that includes the 12-2 Eagles this week means there is little margin for error. Daniels’ ability to elevate the play of those around him and deliver in clutch moments could make all the difference.
No Moment Too Big
Sunday’s miracle 16-yard touchdown to Terry McLaurin, with Daniels scrambling for a preposterous 8 seconds before rifling a dime between defenders, encapsulated his rare playmaking gift. According to Next Gen Stats, the play had just a 16% chance of being completed. But Daniels isn’t wowed by his own exploits the way others are.
“It’s just going out there and doing my job,” the unflappable rookie said. “Doing what the defense allows me to do. Go out there and make plays when plays need to be made.”
– Jayden Daniels, Commanders quarterback
That mindset, combined with Daniels’ diligent 5 AM film sessions and thrice weekly private walkthroughs with his coaches, has his teammates and coaches raving. Backup QB Marcus Mariota, the NFL’s 2nd overall pick in 2015, said Daniels’ steadfast commitment to improve even after success is what separates him.
“When you’re a young player when you have success it’s like, ‘OK I can do this,'” Mariota explained. “For him he’s done a great job of, ‘That’s not enough I want more.’ We need to just continue to encourage him to be that way. It really elevates everybody else around.”
– Marcus Mariota, Commanders quarterback
The Path Forward
That elevating effect is precisely what the depleted Commanders need from their precocious signal caller over this final three-game gauntlet. Daniels has already amassed over 3,000 passing yards, 600 rushing yards and accounted for 23 total touchdowns. Now, with a trip to the tournament on the line, it’s time for the QB wunderkind to write his own legend.
His next chance comes in a monumental clash with the NFC-leading Eagles on Sunday. Pull off the upset, and Daniels will move his team one step closer to completing a stunning worst-to-playoffs turnaround. Fall short, and Washington’s margin for error evaporates. But if Daniels’ meteoric rise has taught us anything, it’s to expect the spectacular each time #4 takes the field. For a franchise starved for postseason success, he may just be the chosen one to lead them back to glory.
