Jayden Daniels: More Than a Rookie
While it’s undeniable that Jayden Daniels will win the NFL’s Rookie of the Year Award, whether we’re witnessing the greatest first year by any player in league history is still up for debate – and that’s only because the story hasn’t reached its conclusion. With Daniels leading the way, the Washington Commanders find themselves just one game away from their first Super Bowl appearance in 33 years. Read more Jayden Daniels: more than a rookie below.
Once upon a time the football team that represents Washington D.C. had a name and culture that made the fans proud. The Joe Gibbs’ era, specifically from 1983 – 1992, ushered in three Super Bowl championships and featured many NFL Hall of Fame players. This once-proud franchise has had a long road back to the NFC Championship game, where they will face their division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, this Sunday.
Revival
While there was hope that the Commanders franchise was turning a corner with new ownership under Josh Harris, no one expected them to be just one game away from the Super Bowl with a first-year quarterback and head coach in Dan Quinn. It’s only been two years since the hated Daniel Snyder finally sold the team after years of losing, turmoil, and controversies.
The initial decision to retain Ron Rivera led to a 4-13 season, which many would consider a setback. However, it ultimately resulted in the second overall pick in the NFL draft, leading to the franchise-saving selection of Jayden Daniels with the second pick in the draft.
Fresh off winning the Heisman Trophy with the LSU Tigers, Daniels’ drafting by the Washington franchise finally brought much-needed hope to a fanbase that has endured over 30 years without much to celebrate. After being named the starter, he set the NFL rookie completion percentage record (91.3%) for the month of September, earning Offensive Rookie of the Month honors as well.
Not to mention, he delivered perhaps the most exciting play of the year with a Hail Mary pass to Noah Brown to defeat the Chicago Bears and top 2024 draft pick Caleb Williams. Daniels finished the regular season with the most rushing yards (891) and highest completion percentage (69%) by a rookie quarterback in league history. He set an NFL rookie record with 12 touchdown passes in the fourth quarter or overtime this season, including five in the final 30 seconds or overtime — the most by any player since 1970.
Also, check out the Godzilla Wins Daily Staff Picks page for other best picks!
One for the Road
What separates Daniels from other rookies in the league is not just his work ethic, but his ability to stay calm and poised, even on the road in the postseason — none bigger than their colossal upset over the Detroit Lions last week.
“We’ve played in some of the most hostile environments, playing in some of the biggest stages,” said Washington receiver Terry McLaurin. “He’s treating it the same every week. I love that about him. That permeates throughout our team. … There’s a reason I feel he has a chance to be a really great player in the league.”
Daniels understands that preparation is the key to being able to silence the tough road crowds. His coach has been straightforward about how much effort his young quarterback puts in each week.
“You have confidence when you put the work in,” Quinn said. “That carries a lot whether you’re at home or on the road. Having that background of work, man that gives you a lot of confidence.”
While his coach praises his work ethic, Daniels often speaks of his faith in God, saying it allows him to put all his worries in His hands and tune out the outside noise. It’s safe to say he’s not listening to the talking heads debate about which player is the best rookie of all time, he’s got work to do.
No matter what happens this Sunday in the City of Brotherly Love, Daniels has captured the hearts and minds of every fan in the DMV, who will be glued to their televisions to potentially witness the greatest postseason run in NFL history.
