The Washington Commanders didn’t have long to celebrate their 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC wild-card round Sunday. Now, Washington must turn its attention to the top-seeded Detroit Lions, who the Commanders face on Saturday night.
Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has led his team to six consecutive wins, including five straight last-second thrillers. On Sunday night, Daniels completed 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns in his playoff debut. Daniels also rushed for 36 yards, using his legs to set up the game-winning field goal.
Daniels will now face the most difficult challenge of his career: Facing the mighty Lions in front of a loud, sold-out crowd on Saturday at Ford Field.
Detroit head coach Dan Campbell is certainly aware of the challenge ahead.
“He is dangerous, he’s dangerous,” Campbell said Monday. “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. He’s got weapons around him. I mean, his receiver’s pretty dang good, 17 (Terry McLaurin) is a helluva player. He’s got a good back, he’s got more than one receiver, Ertz at tight end…….but he’s a difference-maker.”
Dan Campbell on facing Jayden Daniels 👀
(via @Lions) pic.twitter.com/bJoCZI1hjs
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 13, 2025
Campbell has plenty of respect for Daniels. And while Daniels will be difficult to defend, Washington’s defense will have its hands full against arguably the league’s top offensive line, a Pro Bowl quarterback, a dangerous playmaker in the backfield, two start receivers and a tight end.
