Entering the NFC Championship Game on Sunday in Philadelphia, Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was attempting to do something no rookie had ever done in the history of the NFL--lead his team to the Super Bowl.
Credit Daniels for bringing the Commanders to the doorstep. But, the fact is, he was going to have to get a near-perfect performance from his Washington teammates to earn a win over the deep, veteran Eagles. And the Commanders were far from perfect, as Philly romped with a 55-23 win.
Daniels finished the day with 255 yards passing and a touchdown, but also threw an interception, one of four turnovers. That stat can be counted as the top reason the Commanders struggled in this one.
After the game, the usually cool Daniels was clearly upset.
Jayden Daniels - "This sucks. This (obscenity) sucks. Excuse my language but I couldn't be prouder of my guys." pic.twitter.com/qjv03knkKg
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) January 27, 2025
"This sucks," Daniels said in his postgame presser. "This (expletive) sucks. Excuse my language, but just, I couldn't be prouder of the guys in the locker room. Just, Year 1, everyone not really knowing each other. Rookies, the vets did a tremendous job of bringing us in and helping us out. And we all just meshed. And we all got to this point, but at the end of the day, man, we lost, and it sucks but we'll move on."
Fans of Daniels, who is just 24 years old, and the Commanders voiced their support.
One commenter noted, "Great young player had a great year I have nothing but the upmost respect for this kid. Be proud DC and GGs."
Another added, "He will be back here. One of the best rookie seasons ever. Hard to believe he's a rookie with so much poise."
And that was the consensus as another added, "He hates to lose and I absolutely love him for it."
The game at one point could've gone their way. Good luck Jayden, you had a hell of a season!
— Janine (@janinem70542099) January 27, 2025
