Mike Tomlin Reveals Major Challenge With Defending Jayden Daniels

   
The dynamic rookie QB provides a daunting challenge for head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers in Week 10.
 

The Pittsburgh Steelers are winners of three in a row and stand alone in first-place at the top of the AFC North, with a record of 6-2.

Heading in to Week 10, head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers defense—led by five-time All-Pro T.J. Watt—go on the road with a pretty daunting challenge in facing the Washington Commanders and their standout rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels.

In what has almost felt like an abrupt flick of a switch, Daniels has had the Commanders cruising along right from the jump, using his arm and legs to lift the team to an impressive, and equally surprising, record of 7-2.

The NFL and the sports world in general has been quick take notice of his astounding dual-threat abilities, and that would include coach Tomlin.

Here's what the Steelers' head coach had to say about the rookie phenom:

"It doesn’t matter what tape you put on third down, red zone operation, his mobility is a major factor," Tomlin explained. "Whether it's by design or by ad lib play extension escape. It is something to be reckoned with. It's one of the core components of why they are a dangerous group."

All anyone on the Steelers needs to do is take one look at Daniels' miraculous game-winning Hail Mary against the Chicago Bears, an iconic play where the QB seemingly ran around for days, to get a firm grasp on his "ad lib play extension escape" capability.

While the Steelers are a profoundly dominant 25-6 when facing rookie quarterbacks under Tomlin, it certainly doesn't sound that way when he discusses the challenges of facing a talent like the 23-year-old Daniels.

"I think we've done some nice things, but I think that particularly when you face quarterback mobility and the ability to extend plays, that really gets challenged," Tomlin said. "So stay tuned, particularly over the next couple of weeks, you'll get a good example of where we are in terms of some of that."

Keep in mind, this particular rookie is not just any rookie. 

Daniels currently sits just 55 yards away from eclipsing 2,000 yards passing on the season and has thrown nine touchdown passes to just two interceptions. The former LSU star and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner is also closing in on 500 yards rushing (82 carries for 459 yards), forcing all kinds of extra attention and dialed-in focus from opposing defenses.

To make matters extra exhausting for the Steelers defense—as Tomlin alluded to with his "next couple of weeks" comment—following their Week 10 showdown against Daniels, Pittsburgh plays host to Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.

Not exactly an ideal scenario of back-to-back games. But NFL fans will probably have a much clearer idea of where the Steelers stand among the league's elite following these next two games.

The Latest

Jets WR Davante Adams has to dust the Cardinals in the desert

Sport -7 giờ

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams needs a repeat performance from week nine if his team is going to beat the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. Adams will have opportunities to win versus man coverage and must be a ...

3 Reasons why Lions’ Jared Goff will win NFL MVP

Sport -7 giờ

Is it surprising that Jared Goff is in the NFL MVP conversation? It shouldn’t be because the Detroit Lions have the real deal at quarterback. They’re the top team in the NFC at 7-1, and not only are they the favorites ...

Bella Ramsey hasn't played 1st part of 'The Last of Us' video game

Uncategory -7 giờ

Mumbai, Aug 16 (IANS) Actress Bella Ramsey, who is busy with the filming of the upcoming season of the American post-apocalyptic drama television series ‘The Last of Us’, has said that she hasn’t played the first part of the game ...

Dodgers make big decision on Mookie Betts for 2025

Uncategory -7 giờ

After tinkering with Mookie Betts’ position over the last few years, the Los Angeles Dodgers are making a firm decision for the 2025 season. Speaking with reporters Wednesday, Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes revealed that the team plans to have their star ...

Russell Wilson enjoys last laugh as Super Bowl winner apologises to Steelers QB

Uncategory -7 giờ

Former Super Bowl champion Chris Long has eaten his words after Russell Wilson's impressive stint as the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback. Since stepping in for Justin Fields, Wilson has steered the Steelers to victories against the New York Jets and New York Giants, throwing 36-of-57 for 542 ...