Falcons make desperate signing to imitate Jayden Daniels' supreme threat

Jayden Daniels has taken the NFL by storm during a phenomenal first season in a professional environment.

He's everything the Washington Commanders thought their rookie quarterback would be and more. Daniels' inspirational performance to drag his team from the brink to a dramatic comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles locked up the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. There's no debate about that now.

Daniels isn't interested in individual accolades. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft is a team-first guy. A tireless commitment to the cause won the respect of his teammates almost immediately. His exceptional on-field displays and dynamic dual-threat ability are striking fear into the entire league.

The former LSU standout is looking to finish the job and guide Washington into the postseason with success against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football. The Atlanta Falcons have a lot at stake too with the NFC South championship there for the taking. It's a high-stakes situation worthy of the primetime stage.

Falcons make desperate attempt to prepare for Jayden Daniels' skill set

Atlanta went to desperate measures in preparation for the signal-caller's unique skill set. They signed quarterback Emory Jones to the practice squad with the sole purpose of running the scout team and trying to replicate the way Daniels goes about his business.

The Falcons have signed QB Emory Jones to the practice squad. A team representative said Atlanta did so to use Jones on the scout team at practice this week to better simulate Jayden Daniels’ skill set.

— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) December 26, 2024

Simulating Daniels' approach is all well and good. Containing the real thing is completely different.

Nothing can prepare you for Daniels' surprising speed, elite-level poise, outstanding precision, and ability to come through in the biggest moments. It's a gift very few in the league possess, certainly not a quarterback looking for work before joining the Falcons at this late stage of the campaign.

That might sound harsh, but it's a fact.

Daniels is the franchise-caliber quarterback Washington's been craving for decades. He's galvanized an entire organization and woken a sleeping giant. The Commanders' exciting new regime couldn't have asked for a better start. His seamless transition is a big reason why.

Things are only going to get better in the coming years. Daniels is going to evolve with more experience. Once the Commanders improve the weapons around the Heisman Trophy winner, the only way is up.

Daniels' fierce competitive spirit and composure amid the chaos should keep complications to a minimum. Underestimating the Falcons wouldn't be smart, but he's got more than enough in his arsenal to make a lasting contribution en route to Washington's first postseason appearance since 2020.

The Falcons might think they have the upper hand with Jones simulating Daniels' movements and supposed tendencies. It won't take them long to realize the differences once they come up against the real thing.