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In a thrilling playoff matchup, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels showcased remarkable composure even after taking a hard hit that left him with a bloodied face. The young player led the Washington Commanders to a stunning eight-win turnaround from the previous season, securing their first playoff victory since he was just five years old.
Despite the injury, Daniels demonstrated resilience, continuing to make crucial plays as he helped the Commanders clinch a 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC wild-card game. As blood trickled down his face, he managed to throw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Dyami Brown, giving Washington a 7-3 edge early in the second quarter.
After temporarily addressing his injury with super glue on the sideline, he returned to the game unfazed. “I didn’t know I was bleeding until they told me,” Daniels recalled. “I wiped it and was like, ‘Oh, I’m bleeding.’” His poise was on full display after he missed two critical fourth-down passes as coach Dan Quinn opted for shorter field goals, but the team’s faith in him remained unwavering.
In a pivotal moment during the fourth quarter, he executed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin on fourth-and-2, which set Washington ahead 20-17. Although the Buccaneers matched with a field goal to tie the game, Daniels kept his cool under pressure as he embarked on a final drive to position the team for victory.
Recalling his previous heroic plays, including a 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown to win against Chicago earlier in the season, Daniels maintained focus. He connected with Brown for a crucial 21-yard gain on third-and-6, ensuring the Commanders remained in the contest. Displaying agility, he escaped a tackle on another vital third down, running for a 4-yard gain that allowed the team to waste the clock before Zane Gonzalez kicked a 37-yard field goal as time expired.
Reflecting on his performance in such high-pressure moments, Daniels said, “I think you just kind of find that zone. And you don’t hear (anything) — you just focus on your fundamentals and you focus on playing in the playoffs.” He ended the game completing 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards, along with two touchdowns, and added 36 rushing yards with only one sack against him, converting on nine of fifteen attempts on critical third and fourth downs, ultimately earning eight first downs.
The Commanders picked Daniels as the No. 2 pick in the draft, and his journey since losing to the Buccaneers in his NFL debut has been nothing short of remarkable. After a season of notable performances, he not only earned a Pro Bowl selection but also led his team from a previous 4-13 record to a significant 12-5 finish along with becoming the first road team this season to win in the playoffs.
Next, Washington will face the Detroit Lions, the top seed in the playoffs, as underdogs in the divisional round. Despite the challenge, Daniels is not one to be intimidated. McLaurin voiced confidence in his quarterback’s abilities, emphasizing the importance of their preparation for these moments. “To see Jayden continue to just get us in the right calls, execute what (offensive coordinator) Kliff (Kingsbury) is calling, showing some poise, just taking complete command of the game… is special for a rookie,” he said.
With these significant accomplishments, Daniels is also a contender for the AP Offensive Player of the Year award, and he is just three wins away from the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.
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