Dan Campbell perfectly depicts Jayden Daniels' influence on resurgent Commanders

Jayden Daniels' exceptional rookie campaign isn't going unnoticed by those around the league. The Washington Commanders quarterback has been a revelation. He's not your average rookie and he's proven time and time again that he belongs in the elite conversation.

Another masterful performance from Daniels spearheaded Washington into the Divisional Round at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That is far greater than any Commanders fan dreamed of before the campaign, but it was just another day at the office for the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

This weekend represents a different challenge.

Daniels and the Commanders travel to Ford Field — a raucous environment in front of rabid fans starved of legitimate success — for a playoff clash with the Detroit Lions. Going toe-to-toe with the NFC's No. 1 seed on the road is a daunting proposition. But the Heisman Trophy winner thrives with the spotlight glaring.

Dan Campbell wary of Commanders' threat with Jayden Daniels under center

And make no mistake, Dan Campbell is wary of the threat Daniels brings to the table.

The Lions head coach was highly complimentary when speaking about Daniels during his latest media availability. He acknowledged the unique traits and composure beyond his years. His ability to raise the stakes and Washington's supporting cast also came in for praise.

"He's dangerous. He's dangerous. He poses a major threat. He does not play the position like a rookie quarterback. He's composed. He understands how to progress. He sees the field well. He can buy time with his legs. He's a dangerous runner. He's smart, you can tell he understands how to run that offense, what they're asking him to do. And then he's got weapons around him. I mean, his receiver is pretty damn good. Seventeen [Terry McLaurin] is a helluva player. He's got a good back, he's got more than one receiver. [Zach] Ertz at tight end. They've got weapons. O-line plays hard. So he's a difference-maker."

Dan Campbell

This is nothing new. Daniels doesn't have to look far for adulation after arguably the greatest rookie quarterback season in NFL history. That's nice, but it's not what motivates the dual-threat weapon.

Daniels is all about the team. He leads by example, which is rare for someone still making their way in the pros. The coaches and players know that if they give him a chance to come through when the stakes are highest, his poise and composure will see them through.

Saturday night's game is arguably Daniels' biggest test so far. The Lions are depleted defensively, but coordinator Aaron Glenn is a master of his craft. He's kept momentum churning and is getting the most out of the options available. He'll have a plan to restrict the former LSU standout, so nothing but supreme conviction amid the playoff chaos will do.

That's not all.

Daniels has to keep up with the high-octane Detroit offense. Ben Johnson — a leading contender for the Washington head coaching job before things fell apart — has a deep playbook and his unit can put up points in a hurry. The Commanders must control the clock as they did in Tampa Bay. They also need their signal-caller to come through in the red zone and on key downs.

The Lions will be ready for battle. Daniels will be there to meet them head-on.

A mouth-watering contest awaits.