As said by Mike Tirico after the game-winning field goal by Zane Gonzalez to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20, the Washington Commanders doinked their way to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Jayden Daniels deserves the bulk of the credit for getting his team through — something that's become synonymous with the quarterback's phenomenal rookie campaign.
No matter what happens this next week, Commanders fans must see this season as a complete win. This team exceeded every expectation; going from a 4-13 team to 12-5 and winning their first postseason game since 2005. That kind of team turnaround rarely happens in the NFL.
Adam Peters and Dan Quinn were exactly the leaders this team needed to install a winning culture and bring in the right players. They drafted Daniels to become the future of this franchise, and that is exactly what happened. He turned this organization around. Every Commanders fan should be ecstatic.
Daniels is a winner, but the job is not finished. The Commanders have the chance to go into the Detroit Lions and shock the world.
Jayden Daniels must use his legs to defeat the Detroit Lions
The Lions are the most banged-up defense in football currently, which bodes well for Daniels and the offense. Key players such as edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, cornerback Carlton Davis, and linebacker Derrick Barnes won't be available on Saturday Night Football, which is a big boost whichever way one looks at it.
What Detroit does have is a smart defensive coordinator in Aaron Glenn who can create game plans to make things tough for offenses, even with all the injuries. The future head coach proved that in Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings, tormenting Sam Darnold en route to the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
The Lions' defense blitzes at the second-highest rate in the NFL at 34.6 percent. With how poor the Commanders' offensive line can play at times, this will likely mean Daniels will be under constant pressure. Luckily for Washington, he is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL. He operates extremely well when scrambling out of the pocket.
Using his speed to edge out defenders and reach first-down markers is why the Commanders have a chance to win. Daniels always makes the first guy miss, too. The Heisman Trophy winner must also keep his eyes downfield for any throwing opportunities on the move.
The Lions' biggest weakness is their secondary. They have allowed the third most passing yards in the NFL with 4,148. They have also conceded the fifth least rushing yards league-wide with 1,672. The Commanders' offense will not win this game on the ground. Getting it done through the air is critical.
This is a prime game for Terry McLaurin. If he can generate early momentum and take advantage of Davis' absence, the better Washington's chances will be. Looking at how the pass-catcher has developed chemistry with Daniels, another profitable outing could be in the offing on primetime.
It is still unknown if rookie first-round cornerback Terrion Arnold will play. If he does, McLaurin will be lined up against either him or Amik Robertson.
Arnold has struggled as a rookie, posting a 50.4 coverage grade by Pro Football Focus. Robertson has primarily been a slot cornerback throughout his career. Daniels must hyper-target McLaurin and let him feast on a weak pass defense in pursuit of a shocking triumph.
Daniels has one thing that no coach can teach — the ability to win no matter what. So many Commanders' games have come down to the wire. Almost every single time, the former LSU sensation comes through when the stakes are highest.
Calm, cool, and collected. That is exactly what Daniels oozes.
His ability to stay poised when attempting to lead game-winning drives is unheard of from a rookie. As long as this team has Daniels, they have a chance.
