ASHBURN, Va. — The buzz around the Washington area has been hard to ignore since the Commanders achieved their first playoff victory in 19 years, but rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels remains focused on his game rather than the excitement surrounding the franchise.
“I stay in my own bubble right now, focusing on what’s next,” Daniels shared on Tuesday. “But I can tell that a lot of people are excited.”
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as Daniels and his teammates secured a win against Tampa Bay, propelling them into the divisional round. That sense of enthusiasm persists within the fanbase, but the players have shifted gears to prepare for their significant challenge against the NFC-leading Detroit Lions on Saturday night.
Veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen expressed the sentiment of the squad, stating, “Any time you get to play football in January, it’s a blessing. We are aware of that and are focused on what we need to do to advance.” He added, “We’re excited, but we’re not satisfied.”
The Commanders weren’t anticipated to overcome the Buccaneers, and they face an even steeper uphill battle against the 15-2 Lions, who enter the matchup well-rested after a bye week.
Initially, Detroit was an 8.5-point favorite according to the BetMGM Sportsbook on Sunday night, and that line increased to 9.5 by Tuesday afternoon.
“We enjoy being the underdogs,” starting right guard Sam Cosmi remarked. “They keep betting against us, and we keep proving them wrong.”
Cosmi, who made his NFL playoff debut last weekend, noted that while it is vital to celebrate the recent victory, it is equally important to recognize the necessity of looking ahead to larger goals.
The confidence in going deeper into the playoffs is centered around Daniels, who is in contention for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. He has played a crucial role in Washington winning five consecutive games, all decided in dramatic fashion at the last moment.
Notable moments include backup quarterback Marcus Mariota clinching a win over Dallas in the season finale and the defense holding off New Orleans on a crucial 2-point conversion. Most recently, Zane Gonzalez secured a victory with a field goal after Daniels orchestrated a drive that put his team in position.
Additionally, Daniels achieved late-game victories against Philadelphia and Atlanta during the regular season, earning praise from receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, who believes that the young quarterback possesses an inherent talent for clutch situations.
“For someone his age to manage the offense and keep it under control says a lot about him as a young player,” commented running back Brian Robinson Jr.
Though he did sustain a cut on his right cheek during the Bucs game, Daniels appeared unbothered and dismissed the injury. “I’m fine,” he said. “It was just a little cut.”
Coach Dan Quinn also downplayed concerns regarding the impact of a shortened preparation week on his team’s readiness, asserting that the Commanders are adaptable and prepared to handle any situation.
On the health front, the team appears to be in good shape. Defensive tackle Daron Payne, who exited the last game due to a finger injury, affirmed that he is ready to play, while cornerback Marshon Lattimore is expected to be stronger following a hamstring issue he experienced late in the regular season.
The mental state of the players is solid as well. Robinson noted, “The guys are excited, and everyone comes back ready to work with that same energy. We understand our capabilities, know how enjoyable this journey can be, and are eager to keep having fun with it.”
“I stay in my own bubble right now, focusing on what’s next,” Daniels shared on Tuesday. “But I can tell that a lot of people are excited.”
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as Daniels and his teammates secured a win against Tampa Bay, propelling them into the divisional round. That sense of enthusiasm persists within the fanbase, but the players have shifted gears to prepare for their significant challenge against the NFC-leading Detroit Lions on Saturday night.
Veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen expressed the sentiment of the squad, stating, “Any time you get to play football in January, it’s a blessing. We are aware of that and are focused on what we need to do to advance.” He added, “We’re excited, but we’re not satisfied.”
The Commanders weren’t anticipated to overcome the Buccaneers, and they face an even steeper uphill battle against the 15-2 Lions, who enter the matchup well-rested after a bye week.
Initially, Detroit was an 8.5-point favorite according to the BetMGM Sportsbook on Sunday night, and that line increased to 9.5 by Tuesday afternoon.
“We enjoy being the underdogs,” starting right guard Sam Cosmi remarked. “They keep betting against us, and we keep proving them wrong.”
Cosmi, who made his NFL playoff debut last weekend, noted that while it is vital to celebrate the recent victory, it is equally important to recognize the necessity of looking ahead to larger goals.
The confidence in going deeper into the playoffs is centered around Daniels, who is in contention for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. He has played a crucial role in Washington winning five consecutive games, all decided in dramatic fashion at the last moment.
Notable moments include backup quarterback Marcus Mariota clinching a win over Dallas in the season finale and the defense holding off New Orleans on a crucial 2-point conversion. Most recently, Zane Gonzalez secured a victory with a field goal after Daniels orchestrated a drive that put his team in position.
Additionally, Daniels achieved late-game victories against Philadelphia and Atlanta during the regular season, earning praise from receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, who believes that the young quarterback possesses an inherent talent for clutch situations.
“For someone his age to manage the offense and keep it under control says a lot about him as a young player,” commented running back Brian Robinson Jr.
Though he did sustain a cut on his right cheek during the Bucs game, Daniels appeared unbothered and dismissed the injury. “I’m fine,” he said. “It was just a little cut.”
Coach Dan Quinn also downplayed concerns regarding the impact of a shortened preparation week on his team’s readiness, asserting that the Commanders are adaptable and prepared to handle any situation.
On the health front, the team appears to be in good shape. Defensive tackle Daron Payne, who exited the last game due to a finger injury, affirmed that he is ready to play, while cornerback Marshon Lattimore is expected to be stronger following a hamstring issue he experienced late in the regular season.
The mental state of the players is solid as well. Robinson noted, “The guys are excited, and everyone comes back ready to work with that same energy. We understand our capabilities, know how enjoyable this journey can be, and are eager to keep having fun with it.”
