Some quarterbacks rapidly decline after impressive rookie seasons, but Washington Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels should have staying power.
Daniels has led the Commanders to their first NFC Championship Game in 33 years. In a piece published Tuesday, an NFC executive told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that he’ll follow this up with an MVP run in 2025.
“[Daniels is] scary,” the exec told Fowler. “He’s never rattled and elevates everyone around him. I hate to use the word ‘generational,’ but it really looks like he’s that.”
The generational tag can often be overused, but Daniels may deserve it.
On Monday, Houston Texans second-year QB C.J. Stroud — 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year — told the media, “[Daniels] has had the best rookie year of all time.”
Per NFL.com’s Kevin Patra, Daniels became the first rookie QB since Joe Flacco in 2008 to beat a No. 1 seed after the Commanders upset the Detroit Lions 45-31 in the divisional round. He also tied Ben Roethlisberger’s record for wins (14) by a rookie QB in a season (including playoffs), via The 33rd Team.
On Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles host the Commanders at 3 p.m. ET on Fox. If Washington wins, Daniels will become the first rookie QB to reach a Super Bowl.
As of Tuesday, ESPN Analytics gives the Eagles a 63.7% chance to win their home game. However, Daniels could help Washington pull off another postseason upset.
In a 36-33 victory over the Eagles in Week 16, he completed 24 of 39 passes for 258 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn recently told the media that Daniels’ poise is “contagious” for the team, which could be beneficial in a big game.
Even if the Commanders lose to the Eagles, they should still feel pumped about Daniels’ future. He could be a transcendent talent who turns the organization into an NFC powerhouse.
