ASHBURN, Va. — Jayden Daniels has propelled the Washington Commanders to the NFC championship game, and his impressive performance has garnered widespread admiration across the league. This week, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio praised Daniels, stating he is “a young quarterback by birth certificate, not by the tape.” Meanwhile, C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans remarked that Daniels has had “the best rookie year of all time.”
If Daniels and the Commanders secure a victory against the Eagles on Sunday, he would make history as the first rookie quarterback to lead his team to the Super Bowl. Despite the growing excitement and hype surrounding him, Daniels has maintained a singular focus and a grounded demeanor since being drafted as the second overall pick.
“He remains one of the most composed players I’ve ever encountered,” said top receiver Terry McLaurin. “We’ve faced intense environments and high-stakes games, yet he approaches each one with the same steady mindset. I really admire that about him.”
Daniels is certainly backing up Stroud’s commendation. The 24-year-old quarterback from LSU has made franchise history by throwing 25 touchdown passes with less than 10 interceptions. He’s also set a record for the most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback in NFL history, totaling 891 yards.
Despite his accolades, including the Heisman Trophy in college and being favored as the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, Daniels remains unfazed by the prospect of a Super Bowl appearance, should he lead the Commanders to victory against either the Buffalo Bills or Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans on February 9. “I’m really just concentrating on improving every day,” he commented. “Many teams wish they could be in our position. You have to appreciate it, but also embrace the present.”
Daniels seems to have no trouble maintaining that focus. Coach Dan Quinn has described him on the sideline as embodying “The Terminator” due to his intense concentration and ability to avoid distractions.
On the field, Daniels has been instrumental in leading the Commanders to six straight wins, with the first five victories coming down to the final plays. Most notably, he guided the team to a significant 45-31 triumph over the 15-win Lions in Detroit, throwing 17 touchdowns during this impressive stretch. Despite being considered the underdogs against Philadelphia, Daniels’ unique skill set remains a key factor that gives the Commanders a chance to pull off another upset.
“He possesses extraordinary skills in tight moments that have allowed us to reach this point,” Quinn explained. “When the situation is chaotic and time is running out, he displays the composure of someone who has played far more than just a single season.”
Daniels has observed that his teammates began treating him like a veteran rather than a rookie sometime during the season. This transformation was highlighted after Week 8, following a remarkable Hail Mary throw to Noah Brown. Veteran tight end Zach Ertz noted that everyone within the team should stop seeing him as a rookie given his maturity and proactive approach.
“He’s been focused on greatness from early on,” Ertz shared. “Often, rookies learn through trial and error, but Jayden immediately stood out as committed and diligent in his learning.”
Daniels, known for warming up with a basketball and showing an affinity for the sport, has earned a reputation as someone who puts in extra effort during offseason practices. He makes it a point to arrive early for walkthroughs and stay after hours to master his playbook.
Quinn, who is one win away from returning to the Super Bowl after eight years since his loss with the Atlanta Falcons, recognizes Daniels’ competitive spirit but places even greater importance on his dedication to preparation. “There’s a noticeable advantage that comes from doing that extra work. It builds confidence for the moment you need to deliver,” Quinn stated.
Through his remarkable play, Daniels has led Washington to its most significant improvement in wins, leapfrogging from a 4-13 record to a now impressive 12-5. He has been at the heart of an offense that has registered ten games without turnovers, a first for the franchise since at least 1940 according to analytics.
Throughout the season, Daniels has demonstrated that he thrives under pressure, crediting his ability to enjoy the game as his source of composure. “I don’t let the moment overwhelm me,” he said. “At the end of the day, I’m doing what I love every week, whether we win or lose. It’s a privilege to be one of the few who gets to live their dream of playing in the NFL on Sundays.”
