The Washington Commanders are in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is a huge reason why.
Daniels, the odds-on favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, has shown poise and presence all season long. The Commanders have multiple last-minute wins this season, often led by clutch plays from Daniels on game-winning drives.
Daniels has the chance to take the Commanders to their first NFC championship game since the 1991 season, but one NFL insider says he has the potential to be even better.
During an episode of the "Scoop City" podcast, The Athletic's Dianna Russini discussed Daniels' rookie season with former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel.
"I truly believe Jayden Daniels is the next great quarterback in the NFL. I mean, even if they don't win another game, it's been an overwhelming success in Washington this year," Daniel said.
"I've been saying it to you on the show that I think he's Lamar Jackson 2.0," Russini said.
Jayden Daniels is the next great quarterback, says @ChaseDaniel.
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) January 14, 2025
And @DMRussini is ready to double down.
Could Daniels eventually surpass Lamar Jackson?https://t.co/rPLaGd16qj pic.twitter.com/1Jv9dGQRNi
"I think he could be better. His passing game, it'll continue to develop and grow. I think this is what we're going to see over the next few years," she added.
Daniels could earn his second playoff win in as many tries on Saturday, but he'll have to take down the top-seeded Detroit Lions on the road in order to do it.
The second overall pick is in a small fraternity of rookie quarterbacks to win on the road in the playoffs, and he'll need to do so again to extend Washington's season.
Daniels threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns in his postseason debut, and he also led the final drive of the game. Zane Gonzalez hit a 37-yard field goal as time expired to give Washington the franchise's first playoff win since the 2005 season.
Daniels will face the biggest test of his rookie season in Detroit this weekend, but as we've seen over the last several weeks, he's clearly not afraid of the moment.
We'll see what the rookie quarterback and the rest of the Commanders have in store for the No. 1-seed Detroit Lions. Fans can tune into the game on Saturday night at 8 PM ET on FOX.