Jayden Daniels led the Commanders to a crucial win, showcasing skills that could trouble the Bears for years to come
That last part is probably the toughest pill to swallow for the Bears. Sure, Caleb Williams might become the franchise quarterback they need, but right now, Daniels is the one making waves. He’s got the potential to be a thorn in their side for years to come.
In Saturday’s game, Daniels showed incredible poise, especially for a rookie. He completed 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns, all while maintaining a 122.9 passer rating. What really stood out was how he handled pressure, converting three out of four fourth downs. The Commanders only punted once!
Commanders coach Dan Quinn praised Daniels, saying he has a unique poise and is a fierce competitor. He compared him to a basketball player who wants the last shot, emphasizing how Daniels makes smart decisions with the ball. Sometimes, that means knowing when to throw it away.
Under the guidance of Kliff Kingsbury, who also missed out on the Bears’ play-calling job, the Commanders outsmarted a Lions team that seemed to overthink their strategy. The Lions had four different players attempt passes, while Daniels kept it straightforward and even ran for 51 yards on 16 carries.
Quinn highlighted Daniels’ ability to stay calm in tight situations, which was evident even to the Lions’ coach, Dan Campbell. Next week, Daniels will become one of the few rookie quarterbacks to start a conference title game since the NFL-AFL merger.
While no rookie has won a conference title yet, Daniels is on a roll, having already won two playoff games this season, both on the road. He believes in his team’s potential and emphasizes the importance of hard work and daily improvement.
As the season progresses, it’s clear that Daniels is making a name for himself, and the Bears might be regretting their choices for a long time.
