Jayden Daniels has taken the Washington Commanders and the entire league by storm. The rookie quarterback is a true superstar in the first year of his professional career and has the poise and conviction no matter what is at stake.

No moment is too much for Daniels. The bigger the stage, the more he thrives. This was evident once again when the Commanders secured their postseason berth with a dramatic overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons Football on Sunday evenings.

Daniels took control of the game in the second half. He dictated the pace and didn’t force the topic. He played with a freedom that defied the situation facing the commanders. When the Heisman Trophy winner was given the opportunity to decide a thrilling contest in overtime, there was no doubt he would deliver.

This cemented Daniels’ quest for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. He is the franchise presence Washington was hoping for when they took him No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He breaks countless records and proves that he can compete with absolutely anyone if his teammates hold up their end of the bargain.

The Commanders have a key performer in rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels

An absurd statistic Daniels compiled in Week 17 confirmed his status as the NFL’s best closer in 2024. The former LSU star has thrown a touchdown in the final 30 seconds in five games this season. No quarterback in the history of the league has achieved this feat.

Not just newbies. This applies to everyone.

Nobody has ever hit the clutch so often. It was amazing to witness – something commanders hadn’t been able to afford for decades. To think that Daniels won’t get better until his supporting cast gets better is a scary thought for anyone.

Daniels takes everything in stride. He is measured, moves with a calm aura and does not overdo things. The Cajon High School product has an old head on young shoulders. He also has an exceptionally strong support system within the organization that he can lean on in good times and bad.

The Commanders always believe they have a chance when Daniels is the center of attention. They never back down from the fight and have complete confidence that their signaller can come through when things matter most. The unusual calm around Northwest Stadium in the fan base in Week 17, despite Washington’s precarious situation, was further evidence of whether any was needed.

General manager Adam Peters has made many impressive moves in his first offseason at the helm. Identifying Daniels as the man capable of spearheading this ambitious project was by far the most important thing.

Daniels absolutely deserves all the praise he has received. However, he will be the first to tell you that the job is far from done as the playoffs are just around the corner.

And make no mistake, no one will enjoy the prospect of facing him.

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