After a 20-year drought, the Washington Commanders won their first playoff game on Sunday thanks to the efforts of their star rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Daniels is a promising young star who has not only pleasantly surprised his team but has shocked the NFL community with how quickly he’s ascended.
Prior to the Wildcard matchup, the Buccaneers were favored by three points. Many viewed Daniels’ inexperience as a reason why the Buccaneers would win.
It ended up being the best matchup of the weekend, culminating in a walk-off field goal by the Commanders to push them to the divisional round of the playoffs where they will face the Detroit Lions.
After Washington’s impressive win, Daniels was asked how he was able to remain calm and in control of the moment.
“Trust in the Lord God. There’s nothing that I should worry about, man. Put all my worries on him,” he replied.
Jayden Daniels is the answer and future of the Washington Commanders.
In the 10 seasons before his arrival, the team had seven losing seasons. But in only his first NFL season, Daniels led the team to a 12-5 record and won his first playoff game. His performance should win him the Offensive Rookie of the Year as well.
The Commanders, who selected Daniels with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, hadn’t drafted a quarterback that high since RGIII in 2012. He was an amazing talent whose career was cut short due to severe injuries. After losing Griffin, they struggled at the position for years.
But Daniels has given fans new hope.
The Commanders hadn’t made the playoffs since 2020 and hadn’t won a Super Bowl since 1992. Ironically, their last playoff win came in 2006 against the Bucs, the very opponent they beat on Sunday to end their long playoff losing streak.
At this moment it seems a young and very talented player like Daniels has the ability to make the Commanders a real contender in the NFC, this Sunday’s Wildcard win is a testament to that.
Regardless of what happens next for Washington, the Commanders have taken a step in the right direction and found their franchise quarterback.
Daniels had completely changed the team and culture and played a huge role in ending a 20-year playoff drought in Washington.
