The Commanders’ turnaround from a 4-13 record in 2023 to 11 wins and a playoff berth in 2024 can be attributed to several factors, but one player is more important than most.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels was taken with the second overall pick in April and it didn’t take long for him to realize he was ready for the NFL. Daniels has shown a flair for the dramatic throw a touchdown in the final 30 seconds of five different games and his touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz in overtime Sunday night secured Washington’s playoff spot. Daniels threw for a total of 227 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another 127 yards in a game that showed what he brings to the field.

After the game, Ertz called Daniels “the most mature rookie I’ve ever seen” in terms of the composure he displays in late-game situations and said the Commanders will succeed in the long run because of them lead the offensive.

“If you want to be a good quarterback in this league, it comes down to having a really good quarterback,” Ertz said. “And from the moment I got here and saw Jayden out there, I kept saying this guy is not someone who’s going to be good, he’s good now. And if you have this position in this league, you will have a chance. This organization is in a great position for the years to come and I can’t say enough good things about him.”

Ertz will have plenty of company when it comes to singing Daniel’s praises, as the entire mood surrounding the franchise has changed thanks to the growing success of their star newcomer.