Commanders head coach Dan Quinn acknowledged Monday that he should have removed quarterback Jayden Daniels before the final drive in Sunday’s 38-14 loss to the Seahawks, during which Daniels dislocated his left elbow. “I just missed it. That is 100% on me,” Quinn said, marking a reversal from his initial postgame comments.
Daniels’ injury occurred with 7:39 left in the fourth quarter after being sacked near the goal line. Initial X-rays showed no fracture, but further testing is pending, and Quinn confirmed the injury will keep Daniels sidelined for a significant period.
Sunday’s game also saw two other season-ending injuries for Washington: cornerback Marshon Lattimore tore his ACL, and receiver/kick returner Luke McCaffrey fractured his collarbone. Additionally, receiver Terry McLaurin remains unlikely to play in the upcoming game against Detroit due to a quad injury that has already kept him out for five games. With Daniels out, Marcus Mariota will start at quarterback, backed up by Josh Johnson, while Sam Hartman remains on the practice squad.
Jayden Daniels (NFL)
Daniels, who had been pressured on a career-high 51% of his dropbacks, was injured while scrambling to his right after choosing not to hand off to running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. Quinn admitted that they had planned for Daniels’ final series to be his last on the field, but the quarterback’s decision to scramble resulted in the elbow dislocation. Daniels had previously missed three games this season due to knee and hamstring injuries, highlighting a recurring injury concern for the young quarterback.
Teammates React Emotionally to Daniels’ Injury, Highlighting Football’s Physical and Team Impact
The incident drew emotional reactions from teammates. Tight end Zach Ertz described being “distraught” over seeing Daniels in pain, emphasizing the personal bond and respect players have for one another beyond on-field performance. The injury underscores the physical toll of football and its impact not just on individual players but on the morale of the team as a whole.
Quinn emphasized that there will be no changes to the defensive coaching staff, although defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. will move from the press box to the field. The Commanders continue to struggle defensively, ranking near the bottom in yards and scoring allowed. Quinn expressed confidence in both the players and coaching staff despite recent setbacks, affirming his belief that the team can execute better and improve performance moving forward.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is considered “day-to-day” after suffering a sprained left knee in last week’s loss to Green Bay. Head coach Dan Quinn emphasized that Daniels will not return to the field until he can fully play his game, stressing the importance of prioritizing the player’s health over a quick comeback. The team is expected to provide a more concrete update on his status by Friday.
Mariota Confidently Prepares To Lead Commanders If Daniels Misses Raiders Showdown Sunday
If Daniels is unable to play against the Las Vegas Raiders, backup quarterback Marcus Mariota is prepared to step into the starting role. Having been in this position before, Mariota expressed confidence in his preparation and routine, saying it allows him to play without distraction. He is currently taking all first-team practice reps, just as he did last season when Daniels temporarily missed time with a rib injury.
Marcus Mariota (NFL)
Mariota showed last season that he can step in without disrupting the offense. In two relief appearances, he completed 33 of 41 passes for 366 yards and four touchdowns, including a last-second game-winning throw against Dallas. His steady presence under center gave the Commanders confidence that the offense could remain effective in Daniels’ absence.
Mariota’s Veteran Leadership Steadies Commanders As Daniels Battles Injury And Recovery Timeline
A veteran of 10 NFL seasons, Mariota has started games for multiple teams and played two years with the Raiders earlier in his career. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin praised Mariota’s professionalism and calming influence in the huddle, calling him a “pro’s pro.” His experience as both a starter and backup adds depth to the Commanders’ quarterback room and reassurance for his teammates.
Despite the uncertainty, Mariota acknowledged that Daniels is eager to return and compete. He noted the challenge of balancing toughness with effectiveness, saying it’s difficult to play while limited by injury. Mariota emphasized that the team supports Daniels’ decision-making: if Daniels feels ready, they’ll rally behind him, but if he needs more time, Mariota will be ready to lead the offense.
Von Miller, the newly signed linebacker for the Washington Commanders, made a confident and spirited debut at his first press conference with the team. At 36 years old, Miller dismissed any doubts about his effectiveness as a pass rusher, asserting that rushing the quarterback remains second nature to him.
“I can still roll out of bed at 36 years old with my shoes on and rush the passer,” he said. The Commanders clearly agree with his self-assessment, offering him a one-year contract worth $6.1 million, with the potential to earn $10.5 million through incentives.
Miller Joins Commanders Seeking Super Bowl, Inspired by Jayden Daniels’ Rising Stardom
Both Miller and the Commanders share a common goal: reaching the Super Bowl. Washington hasn’t been to the big game since the 1991 season, but made it to the NFC Championship last season. Miller, who has won Super Bowls with both the Broncos and Rams, brings playoff experience and leadership to a team hungry for a title.
Despite coming off a loss in the AFC Championship with Buffalo, Miller believes Washington is built to win, citing that mentality as a key reason for joining the team. “This team is all about winning. I’m all about winning,” he emphasized.
Von Miller (NFL)
Miller chose to sign with Washington over two other interested teams. A significant factor in his decision was second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, whose standout rookie performance impressed the veteran linebacker.
Miller believes Daniels is one of the league’s best young quarterbacks, and he wanted to be part of a team with that kind of promise under center. His confidence in the Commanders’ direction aligns with his personal goals of making another Super Bowl run before retirement.
Veteran Von Miller Still Brings Quickness, Experience, and Impact in Limited Role
While Miller may be entering the later stages of his career, his skills as a pass rusher remain evident. With 129.5 career sacks, including six last season with the Bills, Miller remains a threat off the edge. Washington coach Dan Quinn praised Miller’s quickness and ability to put pressure on offensive tackles, saying, “You have it, or you don’t… It’s not hard to evaluate somebody that’s got the ability to really jump off the spot.”
Though Miller acknowledges he may not be as explosive as he was in his twenties, he insists his experience and refined technique still make him an effective defender.
Miller is expected to play a situational role in Washington’s defensive scheme, similar to how he was used in Buffalo. Although it took time to adjust to playing fewer snaps, Miller now embraces the role, comparing himself to a basketball sixth man who must make an immediate impact. “I’m coming off the bench and I’m shooting the 3 right now,” he said.
Paired with Frankie Luvu, who had a career-high eight sacks last season, Miller’s presence adds depth and veteran savvy to the pass rush. Luvu, who once studied Miller’s film in Carolina, believes his arrival brings much-needed energy to the defense in crucial moments.
Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris scored big in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick. The rookie has quickly become a prized figure not only on the field but also in the trading card world, generating major interest among collectors and fans alike.
Two trading card dealers, Josh Roth and Jacob Ramos, capitalized on the Daniels hype by acquiring a one-of-a-kind 2024 Panini Prizm Daniels card for around \$300,000. They took the rare collectible to Fanatics Fest in New York City, where Daniels and Harris were also in attendance. During the event, Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin asked the crowd who owned the rarest Daniels card, prompting Roth and Ramos to present their prized possession.
Jayden Daniels (NFL)
Rare Jayden Daniels Card Sold For $500K, Set To Be Publicly Displayed
The moment turned into a windfall when Rubin negotiated a \$500,000 purchase of the card directly from Roth and Ramos on stage. Ramos described the experience as surreal and unforgettable, emphasizing how quickly everything unfolded in front of the crowd and major figures in the sports world.
Harris now plans to put the card on display at Northwest Stadium during the 2025 NFL season. With Daniels expected to build on a stellar rookie campaign, both the card and the Commanders’ future hold significant promise.
The biggest surprise of the night came in the form of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. While the Associated Press (AP) voters had named Lamar Jackson as the first-team All-Pro quarterback, they chose to award MVP honors to Josh Allen instead. This broke a 38-year trend where the All-Pro quarterback also won MVP.
Allen admitted to being shocked by the decision, acknowledging that Jackson was equally deserving of the award. The voting was one of the closest in history, with Allen securing 27 first-place votes compared to Jackson’s 23. This marked the closest MVP race since 2003 when Peyton Manning and Steve McNair tied for the award. Allen also became the third Buffalo Bills player to win MVP, joining Thurman Thomas (1991) and O.J. Simpson (1973).
Kevin O’Connell Wins Coach of the Year
For the third time in five years, a coach named Kevin won the AP Coach of the Year award. This time, it was Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell who took home the honor. He became the first Vikings coach to win the award since Bud Grant in 1969. Under his leadership, the Vikings finished with a 14-3 record and nearly won the NFC North.
O’Connell’s ability to lead the team, particularly revitalizing quarterback Sam Darnold’s career, played a major role in his recognition. He received 25 first-place votes, edging out Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, who finished in second place with 19 votes.
Kevin O’Connell Wins Coach of the Year (NFL)
Jayden Daniels Continues the Heisman to Rookie of the Year Trend
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) award, continuing a trend where Heisman Trophy winners go on to win OROY in the following season. Daniels became the fourth player since 2000 to accomplish this feat, following Kyler Murray, Cam Newton, and Vince Young.
Additionally, he secured the Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year award for his Hail Mary touchdown pass against the Chicago Bears. Daniels is now the third player from Washington to win OROY, joining Robert Griffin III (2012) and Mike Thomas (1975).
This year’s NFL Honors was hosted by legendary rapper Snoop Dogg, who entertained the audience with sharp humor and bold jokes. He opened the night by jokingly referring to the Super Bowl matchup as being between the Eagles and the referees. Another memorable moment came when he quipped about Patrick Mahomes’ dominance in the AFC, calling it “the Big Easy.”
Snoop also took a shot at Bill Belichick, referencing the coach’s relationship with a much younger woman. The audience responded with laughter, though Broncos head coach Sean Payton seemed unimpressed when the camera panned to him after a joke about Mahomes.
Full List of 2025 NFL Honors Award Winners
Below is a summary of all the major awards presented during the 2025 NFL Honors ceremony:
Award
Winner
Team
AP Most Valuable Player
Josh Allen
Buffalo Bills
AP Coach of the Year
Kevin O’Connell
Minnesota Vikings
AP Comeback Player of the Year
Joe Burrow
Cincinnati Bengals
AP Offensive Player of the Year
Saquon Barkley
Philadelphia Eagles
AP Defensive Player of the Year
Patrick Surtain II
Denver Broncos
AP Offensive Rookie of the Year
Jayden Daniels
Washington Commanders
AP Defensive Rookie of the Year
Jared Verse
Los Angeles Rams
AP Assistant Coach of the Year
Ben Johnson
Detroit Lions
Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year
Jayden Daniels’ Hail Mary
Washington Commanders
Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year
Arik Armstead
Jacksonville Jaguars
Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductees
Jared Allen, Sterling Sharpe, Eric Allen, Antonio Gates
–
Salute to Service Award
George Kittle
San Francisco 49ers
The 2025 NFL Honors proved to be one of the most memorable in recent years, with surprising winners, historic milestones, and an entertaining hosting performance by Snoop Dogg.
Lamar Jackson jogs to the sidelines in the 4th quarter
Lamar Jackson from Baltimore, Josh Allen from Buffalo, and Jayden Daniels from Washington will not participate in the Pro Bowl Games this week.
The NFL announced its final rosters on Tuesday, and none of these quarterbacks were included. Drake Maye, a rookie from the New England Patriots, will replace Jackson for the AFC, while Russell Wilson from Pittsburgh will take Allen’s spot. Baker Mayfield from Tampa Bay will replace Daniels.
Allen and Daniels lost in their respective conference championship games last weekend, and Jackson’s season ended the previous week in the divisional round. Both Allen and Jackson are considered MVP favorites.
There were additional roster changes as well.
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook and center Connor McGovern were also named as replacements.
Cook will replace Baltimore’s Derrick Henry, who ran for 1,921 yards, ranking second in the NFL. Cook had 1,009 rushing yards and tied Henry and Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs for the league lead with 16 rushing touchdowns.
Josh Allen hands off to James Cook in the 1st half
McGovern will fill in for Kansas City center Creed Humphrey, as the Chiefs are heading to the Super Bowl to play Philadelphia on Feb. 9 after defeating Buffalo on Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo will make his first Pro Bowl appearance, replacing Kansas City’s Trey Smith.
Seattle wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will join Leonard Williams and Devon Witherspoon as the third Seahawks player at the Pro Bowl. He will replace Washington’s Terry McLaurin.
The Pro Bowl Games will take place from Thursday to Sunday in Orlando, Florida, and will include skills competitions and a flag football game.
Jayden Daniels stands on the sidelines in the 2nd half
Jayden Daniels threw 1,438 passes over 55 college games in five seasons. He’s no ordinary rookie because of the experience he gained playing a lot of football before coming to the NFL.
Bo Nix, who started for five years at Auburn and Oregon, is in the same situation.
Both quarterbacks led their teams to the playoffs and are among the five finalists for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Daniels Leads Washington to NFC Championship
Daniels has the Washington Commanders in their first NFC Championship game in 33 years. They’ve already upset the Buccaneers and the No. 1 seed Lions on the road, and now, they can reach the Super Bowl with a win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Nix Ends Broncos’ Playoff Drought
Nix helped the Denver Broncos break an eight-year playoff drought, though they lost to the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round.
Impact of College Experience
Daniels and Nix made an immediate impact in the NFL due to their extensive college experience as starters for four or more years.
“It helped out a lot, just to be able to see different looks, see different defenses, go through a lot of different things,” Daniels shared with The Associated Press. “The greatest teacher in life is failure so to be able to go out there, fail a couple times, get some reps… All those reps that built up helped me get to this moment today.”
Daniels’ College Career and Heisman Win
Daniels played three seasons at Arizona State before transferring to LSU for his final two years. In 2023, he won the Heisman Trophy and was selected No. 2 overall, behind Caleb Williams.
Eli Manning Praises Daniels
Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning praised Daniels for his ability to win playoff games as a rookie. “A rookie quarterback coming in and winning playoff games, I think that’s one of the hardest things to do in the NFL in your first playoff experience,” Manning said. “To go out there and win two of them is pretty impressive.”
Manning also highlighted Daniels’ composure. “Jayden has been impressive with what he’s been able to do, getting the ball out on time when he has to, be able to extend plays and scramble and run when he has to.
Bo Nix talks in the news conference
So it just seems like he’s got a great control of that offense and making big plays at critical moments. It just doesn’t seem like the environment or the situation is too big for him. He seems very calm, very relaxed, and I think that’s because he feels confident in what he’s doing out there and what he expects to happen.”
Daniels’ Poise in Clutch Moments
Daniels has thrown a touchdown pass in the final 30 seconds or overtime in five games this season, showing poise that is uncommon for most rookies.
“That’s just second nature, part of who I am every day,” Daniels said. “I’m consistent every day. When I prepare for moments like that, I’m not thinking at all. I’m just going out there and reacting and just playing football.”
Nix’s College Journey and Transition to NFL
Nix played three seasons at Auburn before finishing his college career at Oregon. He threw 1,936 passes during his college career and was selected by the Broncos with the 12th overall pick. Nix didn’t disappoint in his rookie year and helped Denver turn things around after the release of Russell Wilson.
“I was fortunate to play in five offenses in five years in college, so the transition and the new verbiage was just something else that I had to learn,” Nix told The Associated Press. “I’d run a lot of different plays in the past so I just had to connect the dots and put them together and match the word with the play.”
Learning from College to NFL
Nix’s experience learning different offensive systems in college helped him make a smooth transition to the NFL under coach Sean Payton.
“Ultimately, that’s developed me and helped me learn and grow and learn how to process different things and learn how to process different play-calls and different play-callers,” he said. “It’s important to have a rhythm with your play-caller and to understand what he wants and it takes time to get that connection. I felt as the season went on we had a great offensive play-caller-quarterback connection.”
Manning on College Offenses
Manning, who played at Ole Miss from 2000-03, noted that college offenses are now more similar to pro offenses than when he played. “The more reps you get, the more defenses you see, the more experience you get with learning an offense,” Manning said.
“The college offensive systems in the NFL and college offensive systems aren’t that different anymore. It doesn’t take necessarily years. It’s just kind of learning about defenses, learning about different blitzes.”
Jayden Daniels has led the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship game, and his impressive rookie season is earning praise from across the league.
Rising Praise from Across the League
Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio recently described Daniels as “a young quarterback by birth certificate, not by the tape.” Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud also commended Daniels, saying he’s having “the best rookie year of all time.”
If Daniels and the Commanders beat the Eagles on Sunday, he would make history as the first rookie quarterback to take his team to the Super Bowl. Despite the growing attention, Daniels has remained focused and humble, keeping his eye on the game rather than the spotlight.
A Steady, Focused Leader
Daniels has shown a remarkable ability to stay calm under pressure. “He stays as even-keeled as any player I’ve ever been around,” said Commanders’ top receiver Terry McLaurin. “He treats every game the same, no matter the stage.”
As the first player in Commanders history to throw 25 touchdowns with fewer than 10 interceptions, Daniels has also set the rookie record for most rushing yards by a QB with 891.
His performance has been critical to Washington’s success this season, and he continues to make a case for Stroud’s praise.
Focused on Day-to-Day Improvement
Despite his outstanding season, Daniels is not looking too far ahead. “It would obviously be a blessing, but I’m just focused on how can I be better day by day,” he said. He understands the rarity of the opportunity but keeps his attention on the moment.
Jayden Daniels in the 2nd half
Coach Quinn and Team Support
Head coach Dan Quinn praises Daniels’ composure on the field, comparing his demeanor to “The Terminator” because of his focus and ability to block out distractions. Daniels has led Washington to six straight wins, five of which were decided on the final play. He’s thrown 17 touchdowns during this stretch and has been the key factor in the team’s success.
Quinn appreciates Daniels’ poise in tight situations. “He’s got the experience of somebody that’s played a lot more football than a first-year player,” Quinn said.
Gaining Respect from Teammates
Teammates stopped treating Daniels like a rookie early in the season. Veteran tight end Zach Ertz noticed Daniels’ maturity after his Hail Mary pass to Noah Brown in Week 8, and soon after, Ertz said everyone in the organization began seeing him as a leader.
“He was very proactive in his approach to being great,” Ertz said. “He was the first one in the building studying as much as possible.” Daniels’ strong work ethic has helped him stand out.
Preparation Leads to Success
Quinn admires Daniels’ preparation, understanding that the extra work puts the rookie in a position to succeed. “When the moment comes, you’re ready to deliver,” Quinn said, emphasizing the importance of Daniels’ preparation.
Historic Season for the Commanders
Daniels’ leadership has been the driving force behind Washington’s improvement, taking the team from a 4-13 record last season to 12-5 this year.
With his performance, Daniels has also been part of an offense that has committed no turnovers in 10 games this season, the most for the franchise in decades.
Daniels credits his success to his love of football and the joy he finds in the game.
“It’s a blessing to be one of those kids that are able to fulfill their dream and live out their dream of playing on Sundays in the NFL,” Daniels said. His relaxed attitude toward pressure continues to make him a standout in his rookie season.
Commanders’ offensive line struggles could be a decisive factor against the Lions (Washington Commanders)
The Washington Commanders this season bear some resemblance to last year’s Detroit Lions. Both teams began with moderate expectations, aiming only for improvements over their previous campaigns.
When they made the playoffs, their supporters hoped for a single victory to label the season as a success.
The Lions managed two playoff wins and were just a half away from their first Super Bowl appearance. Now, Detroit finds itself in a position to prevent Washington from achieving a similar postseason surge.
Detroit Lions prepare to stop the Commanders’ postseason momentum (Detroit Lions)
The exceptional play of Jayden Daniels, their first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, has driven Washington’s rise under its new leadership.
Daniels, widely regarded as the front-runner for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, has orchestrated four game-winning drives and led the Commanders to an impressive 12-5 record.
The Importance of Containing Daniels
For Detroit to avoid being upset, the Lions must disrupt Daniels’ rhythm, which has been instrumental in his team’s success.
His ability to perform under pressure and make plays has turned him into a formidable challenge for defenses. Limiting his impact is essential for Detroit to secure a spot in the NFC Championship game.
Addressing Offensive Line Challenges
Daniels needs ample time in the pocket to perform at his best, but Washington’s offensive line has struggled. They rank seventh in sacks allowed (50) this season and have the 11th-lowest pass-blocking grade (63.4), as reported by PFF.
Right guard Sam Cosmi, despite being the highest-rated lineman on the team, has committed the most penalties (six) among starters.
On the other hand, rookie left tackle Brandon Coleman has struggled the most, with a PFF grade of 58.7, conceding nine sacks and 35 pressures this season.
The Lions’ defensive line must capitalize on these vulnerabilities, especially targeting Coleman and left guard Nick Allegretti, who are the weakest links.
While blitzing is an option, aligning Za’Darius Smith against Coleman could prove more effective. To add to Coleman’s woes, he was recently added to the injury report with a shoulder issue, though he practiced fully on Wednesday.
Strategizing Against the Blitz
Detroit’s defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, has relied heavily on blitzes, with the Lions blitzing on 34.6% of plays this season—the second-highest rate in the league behind the Minnesota Vikings.
This aggressive approach has been a cornerstone of their success, but it may require adjustments against Daniels. According to PFF, Daniels holds the ball for an average of 2.98 seconds—one of the longest among playoff quarterbacks.
Detroit Lions defense focuses on containing Washington’s dynamic rookie quarterback (Detroit Lions)
Surprisingly, he has excelled when blitzed, throwing 12 touchdowns and just three interceptions in such situations, compared to 15 touchdowns and six interceptions when not blitzed. Therefore, an all-out blitz might backfire.
Instead, the Lions must focus on containment rather than relentless pressure. Keeping Daniels inside the pocket will be key, as his mobility poses a serious threat.
Glenn emphasized the need for discipline, stating, “You have to be strategic in your rush, send additional players, and close off as many lanes as possible.”
Managing a Mobile Quarterback
Dealing with a quarterback like Daniels, who can create plays with his legs, presents numerous challenges. From designed runs and read-options to scrambles and extended plays, there’s a lot to defend.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell pointed out that no team has mastered the art of shutting down mobile quarterbacks.
Detroit’s defense has allowed 6.2 yards per carry against quarterbacks this season, ranking as the second-worst in the league. However, their performances against mobile quarterbacks have not been entirely poor.
Aside from a difficult outing against MVP candidate Josh Allen, the defense has held up relatively well. Early success by Anthony Richardson in a game against the Colts faded as Indianapolis moved away from utilizing his legs.
Daniels will inevitably gain yards on the ground, but the Lions’ focus should be on limiting the damage. If he is allowed to continually pick up easy yards, Detroit’s defense will face a tough night.
Sacks or the ability to close escape lanes will force Daniels to rely solely on his arm, giving the Lions an advantage.
Detroit’s offense can also play a role in neutralizing Daniels. If the Lions establish a lead, Washington will have to abandon its running game and prioritize quick scoring to keep pace.
This change would limit Daniels’ opportunities to use his legs, forcing the Commanders into a one-dimensional offense. Under such circumstances, Detroit can unleash its blitzes and apply pressure on Daniels in the pocket.
Jayden Daniels leads Commanders to their first NFC Championship since 1991 (Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels has positioned himself as the clear favorite for this season’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, and many agree it should be a foregone conclusion.
This LSU graduate has revitalized a struggling franchise that underwent a major overhaul after a change in ownership and the dismissal of its head coach and general manager.
Commanders celebrate Daniels’ record-breaking rookie season (Washington Commanders)
During his debut season, Daniels orchestrated an incredible turnaround, guiding the team to eight additional wins.
He then led the Commanders through a remarkable playoff run, defeating the No. 3 seed Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 and the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions 45-31.
These victories have secured Washington’s first NFC Championship game appearance since 1991.
Daniels’ Record-Breaking Performance
What makes this feat even more remarkable is that Daniels has delivered four touchdowns in the playoffs without a single turnover. Across 19 offensive possessions, the Commanders have punted only once, underscoring their dominance under his leadership.
The franchise also celebrated Daniels’ historic milestone following their divisional-round victory.
With 5,113 combined yards this season (4,135 passing and 978 rushing), he has surpassed all previous records for rookies in NFL history.
Acknowledging this achievement, the team shared a social media post reading, “That Kid,” accompanied by a graphic commemorating his record-setting performance.
Praise from C.J. Stroud
Daniels’ extraordinary season hasn’t gone unnoticed by others in the league. Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who himself set rookie records just last year, expressed admiration for his close friend on Monday.
“I couldn’t be prouder of him,” Stroud told reporters. “In my eyes, he’s had the best rookie year ever.
Records are made to be broken, and he’s shattered so many. I don’t usually root for other teams, but I’m cheering for my guy and the Commanders.”
Washington Commanders players celebrates after the win
Coach Dan Quinn made bold decisions that helped the
Coach Dan Quinn made bold decisions that helped the Washington Commanders win a playoff game and take another step forward in a season that had already exceeded expectations.
This should not be surprising considering Quinn’s philosophy.
“I never want to look back and say, ‘Man, I wish I had gone for it,’” Quinn said recently. “I hope that’s my legacy one day long down the road: They say, ‘Man, that dude went for it.’ I hope our team plays that way.”
Sticking to that philosophy, Quinn chose to go for it on fourth down five times in the wild-card game against Tampa Bay. The Commanders converted three of those attempts, including a crucial late touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels to Terry McLaurin, leading to a victory over the Buccaneers and a trip to face NFC-leading Detroit in the divisional round on Saturday night.
“We’re not going to be reckless, but when there’s a chance and a moment for us to capture it and to be bold, we’re not going to look back,” Quinn said on Monday. “We’ve practiced it a lot, so it does give us a lot of faith and confidence when those moments come up.”
During the regular season, the Commanders were 20 for 23 on fourth down, with an 87% conversion rate, the best in the NFL since 2000, when Indianapolis went 9 for 10. Quinn believes their success in these situations comes from the team’s poise, led by Daniels, the rookie quarterback who remains calm under pressure.
Asked about the coaching staff’s decisions to go for it so often, Daniels said, “Obviously they’re confident in us to get the first down, so I’m confident in the guys to go out there and block, make plays and move the chains.”
A few times, being bold didn’t pay off — once in the first quarter and again in the fourth quarter. However, these moments didn’t hurt the Commanders.
After missing on a fourth-and-goal from the Tampa Bay 3-yard line, Baker Mayfield fumbled, and Bobby Wagner recovered. A few plays later, on fourth-and-2 from the 5-yard line, Daniels’ throw to McLaurin put Washington ahead with 10 minutes remaining.
Dan Quinn in a news conference
Quinn said these decisions aren’t made impulsively. He prepares the team during the week for these situations and ensures everyone is on the same page during the game.
“It does change depending on time, score of the game, field position — all of those,” Quinn said. “It’s not one size fits all. But we do discuss it all the way through.”
What’s working:
Daniels continues to master the offense, knowing when to run and when to stay in the pocket to pass. The 24-year-old accounted for 304 yards, and his only sack came when he scrambled to get back to the line of scrimmage.
“It’s the playoffs, but it’s still the same game,” said Wagner, the six-time All-Pro linebacker who has developed a strong connection with Daniels. “The stakes are a little different, but he came in and played the game that we know he’s capable of playing and did a great job.”
What needs help:
The Commanders’ running game remains a struggle. Running backs Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols combined for just 44 yards on 19 carries, while Daniels ran for 36 yards on 13 attempts.
This brought up the team’s average slightly, but over the past five games — all victories — the running backs have averaged just 2.24 yards per carry.
Stock up:
Zane Gonzalez wasn’t the first choice as the kicker, or even the sixth, but he came through when needed. Gonzalez made the game-winning 37-yard field goal off the right upright, giving Washington its first playoff win in 19 years. He also connected on kicks from 52 and 22 yards earlier in the game.
“He’s really been doing that in practice, as well, where he’s hitting it good,” Quinn said. “For him to be able to step up and deliver, and then also a game-winner at the end — that’s a big deal for us.”
Stock down:
Cornerback Marshon Lattimore struggled against Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans, giving up several catches, including a touchdown, before adjustments were made to provide double coverage and have rookie Mike Sainristil cover Evans. Evans finished with 92 yards.
Quinn mentioned that Lattimore, returning from a hamstring injury, was on a limited snap count. However, with All-Pro wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown up next, the secondary will need more from Lattimore to have a chance.
win a playoff game and take another step forward in a season that had already exceeded expectations.
This should not be surprising considering Quinn’s philosophy.
“I never want to look back and say, ‘Man, I wish I had gone for it,’” Quinn said recently. “I hope that’s my legacy one day long down the road: They say, ‘Man, that dude went for it.’ I hope our team plays that way.”
Sticking to that philosophy, Quinn chose to go for it on fourth down five times in the wild-card game against Tampa Bay. The Commanders converted three of those attempts, including a crucial late touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels to Terry McLaurin, leading to a victory over the Buccaneers and a trip to face NFC-leading Detroit in the divisional round on Saturday night.
Jayden Daniels celebrates his touchdown in the 1st half
“We’re not going to be reckless, but when there’s a chance and a moment for us to capture it and to be bold, we’re not going to look back,” Quinn said on Monday. “We’ve practiced it a lot, so it does give us a lot of faith and confidence when those moments come up.”
During the regular season, the Commanders were 20 for 23 on fourth down, with an 87% conversion rate, the best in the NFL since 2000, when Indianapolis went 9 for 10. Quinn believes their success in these situations comes from the team’s poise, led by Daniels, the rookie quarterback who remains calm under pressure.
Asked about the coaching staff’s decisions to go for it so often, Daniels said, “Obviously they’re confident in us to get the first down, so I’m confident in the guys to go out there and block, make plays and move the chains.”
A few times, being bold didn’t pay off — once in the first quarter and again in the fourth quarter. However, these moments didn’t hurt the Commanders. After missing on a fourth-and-goal from the Tampa Bay 3-yard line, Baker Mayfield fumbled, and Bobby Wagner recovered. A few plays later, on fourth-and-2 from the 5-yard line, Daniels’ throw to McLaurin put Washington ahead with 10 minutes remaining.
Quinn said these decisions aren’t made impulsively. He prepares the team during the week for these situations and ensures everyone is on the same page during the game.
“It does change depending on time, score of the game, field position — all of those,” Quinn said. “It’s not one size fits all. But we do discuss it all the way through.”
What’s working:
Daniels continues to master the offense, knowing when to run and when to stay in the pocket to pass. The 24-year-old accounted for 304 yards, and his only sack came when he scrambled to get back to the line of scrimmage.
“It’s the playoffs, but it’s still the same game,” said Wagner, the six-time All-Pro linebacker who has developed a strong connection with Daniels. “The stakes are a little different, but he came in and played the game that we know he’s capable of playing and did a great job.”
What needs help:
The Commanders’ running game remains a struggle. Running backs Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols combined for just 44 yards on 19 carries, while Daniels ran for 36 yards on 13 attempts.
This brought up the team’s average slightly, but over the past five games — all victories — the running backs have averaged just 2.24 yards per carry.
Stock up:
Zane Gonzalez wasn’t the first choice as the kicker, or even the sixth, but he came through when needed. Gonzalez made the game-winning 37-yard field goal off the right upright, giving Washington its first playoff win in 19 years. He also connected on kicks from 52 and 22 yards earlier in the game.
“He’s really been doing that in practice, as well, where he’s hitting it good,” Quinn said. “For him to be able to step up and deliver, and then also a game-winner at the end — that’s a big deal for us.”
Stock down:
Cornerback Marshon Lattimore struggled against Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans, giving up several catches, including a touchdown before adjustments were made to provide double coverage and have rookie Mike Sainristil cover Evans. Evans finished with 92 yards.
Quinn mentioned that Lattimore, returning from a hamstring injury, was on a limited snap count. However, with All-Pro wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown up next, the secondary will need more from Lattimore to have a chance.
Jayden Daniels doesn’t get rattled, even when a hard hit leaves his face bleeding.
The rookie quarterback led the Washington Commanders to a remarkable eight-win improvement from the previous season, and he wasn’t going to let a little blood stop him in his biggest game yet.
He kept making plays and doing whatever was necessary to help Washington reach its first playoff game since he was five years old.
With blood dripping down his face beneath his right eye, Daniels threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Dyami Brown to give the Commanders a 7-3 lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers early in the second quarter, in a 23-20 win on Sunday night in the NFC wild-card game.
He went to the sideline, had the cut closed up with super glue, and then came back to play the next series.
“I didn’t know I was bleeding until they told me,” Daniels said. “I wiped it and was like, ‘Oh, I’m bleeding.’”
Daniels threw two incomplete passes on fourth downs when coach Dan Quinn passed up short field goals, but he stayed focused.
With the game on the line, Daniels stayed calm and helped Washington win its first playoff game since January 7, 2006, a gap of 6,945 days.
Daniels threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin on fourth-and-2, giving the Commanders a 20-17 lead in the fourth quarter.
After the Buccaneers settled for a field goal to tie the game, Daniels had another chance for late-game heroics. He had already thrown a 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown to beat Chicago in Week 8 and led five comeback wins during the regular season.
Washington Commanders players celebrates after the win
This time, he just needed to get the Commanders into field-goal range.
Daniels connected with Brown for 21 yards on third-and-6 from Washington’s 34 to extend the final drive. On third-and-2 from Tampa Bay’s 15, Daniels eluded a tackle and ran 4 yards for a first down, allowing the Commanders to run down the clock until Zane Gonzalez made a 37-yard field goal as time expired for the win.
“I think you just kind of find that zone,” Daniels said about playing in pressure moments. “And you don’t hear (anything) — you just focus on your fundamentals and you focus on playing in the playoffs.”
Daniels was 24 of 35 for 268 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 36 yards and was sacked only once. On third and fourth downs, he completed 9 of 15 passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns, earning eight first downs.
The Commanders selected the Heisman Trophy winner from LSU with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft last April. He lost to the Buccaneers in his NFL debut on the same field but went on to have an impressive season, earning a Pro Bowl selection.
However, Daniels and his teammates are not just happy to be in the playoffs. They went from 4-13 to 12-5 and became the first road team to win in this year’s playoffs.
Next Saturday night, they will face the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions (15-2) in the divisional round, with the Commanders being 8 1/2-point underdogs, according to Bet MGM Sportsbook.
Daniels won’t be intimidated.
“This is what he’s been doing all season,” McLaurin said. “It’s the preparation that we put in, and I know people may be tired of hearing ‘winning-time moments,’ but that’s real, and it shows up. That’s what the playoffs are about. You may not play the perfect game, but if you have the ball and a chance to win, we trust our preparation in the moments we’ve been in this year.”
“To see Jayden continue to get us in the right calls, execute what (offensive coordinator) Kliff (Kingsbury) is calling, showing poise, and taking complete command of the game, I’m fortunate to play with him and see how much he’s grown this year. That’s who he is. He’s been blessed with unbelievable ability, but his ability to just be ready for any moment is definitely special for a rookie.”
Daniels is a favorite for the AP Offensive Player of the Year award. He’s three wins away from lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
