Days before the NFC Wild Card game between Washington and Tampa Bay, Commanders’ rookie quarterback Jaylen Daniels called it “just another game.”
On Sunday, Daniels proved he is anything but just another quarterback.
Daniels was magnificent in his team’s 23-20 upset victory over the host Buccaneers, and he will take his magic act on the road for a showdown against the media-darling Detroit Lions at 7 p.m. Saturday Jan. 18.
“He is dangerous. He poses a major threat. He does not play the position like a rookie quarterback.
Washington Coach Dan Quinn on Jayden Daniels
He’s composed, he understands how to progress, he sees the field well, he can buy time with his legs, he’s a dangerous runner.”
If he ran for mayor of D.C., he would win in a landslide. The skinny kid from LSU, who almost single-handedly beat host Missouri in 2023, is more than the toast of the town. He’s beloved.
When asked what his emotion was after the thrilling victory, the first playoff win for Washington since 2006, Daniles said, “”I don’t know, I can’t really explain it.”
“I’m grateful to have the opportunity. I’m happy for the fanbase and franchise, everything it’s been through, to get to this point, so I’m just grateful and happy for everybody, including myself, too.”
To put Daniels’ achievement in perspective, just 11 rookie quarterbacks have won a playoff game in NFL history.
Hed led his team on a pair of scoring drives in the fourth quarter – one following a Tampa fumble deep in its own zone. The other, with the game on the line, was classic. Daniels ran and threw his team downfield and made the play of the game during the drive.
On third and two from the Bucs’ 19-yard-line, Daniels was seemingly tackled behind the line of scrimmage. But he used a stiff arm and crafty move to gain four yards and a first down. The play allowed Washington to attempt a field goal on the final play of the game.
Daniels calmly sat on the bench as he watched kicker Chase McLaughlin bang a 32-yard-field attempt off the right upright – but the ball dropped behind the cross bar and Washington had the victory.
“It means a lot,” Daniels said. “You could just see all the (Washington) fans over here, man, they’re waiting for us. They’ve waited a long time for this moment and this feeling, so I’m just so happy for them.”
Washington coach Dan Quinn said Daniels was “special” since his first practice.
“He is dangerous. He poses a major threat. He does not play the position like a rookie quarterback,” Quinn said Monday.
“He’s composed, he understands how to progress, he sees the field well, he can buy time with his legs, he’s a dangerous runner.”
NFL football nation was riveted on Daniels following the “Hail Mary” victory over the Chicago Bears on Oct. 27 – and the playoff win was the fifth scintillating comeback of his rookie season.
In those wins, Daniels was 40-of-59 for 551 yards, six touchdowns, two interceptions and a QB rating of 117.3 when tied or down in the fourth quarter or overtime.
As Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said during his press conference following the game, “He’s done it all year.”
“He has no conscience. I’m not surprised because we’ve seen him do it all year.”
Can he do it next week against the Lions? His team is a whopping 8.5-point underdog. But if anyone could do it, it’s Daniels
The Reid Roundup
After another disappointing playoff loss, Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin is feeling some real heat from the fan base…This would be a perfect time for Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to make a trade for Tomlin’s services. Former cowboys coach Mike McCarthy could not reach a deal with Jones on a contract extension and bolted on Monday…Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will be the bi winner if McCarthy should land that head coaching position…Packers QB Jordan Love was abysmal in his team’s wild card playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. I think his elbow, injured last week, was still aching…In a battle of Black QBs, C.J. Stroud will lead the Houston Texans into Kansas City to take on Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs at 3:30 p.m. Saturday…Lamar Jackson will face Josh Allen in an AFC Divisional playoff game on Sunday between Baltimore and host Buffalo. Jackson tops Allen in every QB category, yet Allen is favored to win the NFL MVP Award.