Jayden Daniels Could Make History as the ‘Greatest Rookie Quarterback’ This Sunday
A win against the Philadelphia Eagles would make Daniels the first rookie quarterback to reach the Super Bowl.
WASHINGTON — Jayden Daniels' remarkable rookie season has already earned him a place in NFL history, and one more victory on Sunday could take him where no rookie quarterback has gone before — the Super Bowl.
After being selected second overall in the NFL draft, Daniels’ 2025 season has exceeded even the highest expectations. As the 24-year-old quarterback for the Washington Commanders, Daniels has shattered numerous rookie records, particularly with his 891 rushing yards, the most ever by a first-year quarterback.
In his playoff debut, Daniels led Washington to its first postseason victory since 2005, and in his second postseason game, he stunned the league by defeating the NFC’s top-seeded team, propelling the Commanders to their first conference title game in more than three decades.
Daniels has set a new rookie record with 46 completions in the postseason and is just six passing yards away from passing Russell Wilson for the most postseason passing yards by a rookie.
While Daniels is all but certain to be named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, the chance to make history is still within reach. A victory in Sunday’s NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles would send him to the Super Bowl as the first rookie quarterback to start in the big game.
"To see what he’s doing as a rookie, I will say he is the greatest rookie quarterback ever," Eagles cornerback Darius Slay said in a recent podcast.
If Daniels wins his third playoff game on Sunday and secures a Super Bowl appearance, it would cement his place in history. While only five rookie quarterbacks have started in a conference championship before — including the likes of Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco, and Mark Sanchez — all of them played for teams with top-tier defenses. In contrast, Washington’s defense has struggled, ranking 18th in points allowed, leaving Daniels with fewer opportunities for error.
However, Daniels has remained unfazed. His calm demeanor and clutch performances have earned him praise from coaches and teammates. He orchestrated a dramatic comeback to beat Chicago in Week 8 with just 19 seconds left on the clock, and in Week 17, he led Washington to a win over Atlanta in overtime. In last week’s game against the Detroit Lions, Daniels’ composed attitude during a critical third-down conversion in the final moments was on full display.
Daniels' 12 touchdown passes in the fourth quarter or overtime this season set another rookie record, further emphasizing his ability to perform under pressure.
"He is the Terminator," said Washington head coach Dan Quinn. "He’s got rare in-the-moment skills that have allowed us to be in this spot. When it’s mental chaos going down in tight moments, he’s got the experience of somebody who’s played a lot more football than a first-year player."
Daniels attributes his poise to his love for the game. “Football is just fun for me, and it’s like a safe haven for everything I’ve been through personally in my life," he said. "I’m not really stressing about the moment because at the end of the day, I get to do what I love."
Even Joe Gibbs, Washington’s legendary former coach who led the team to three Super Bowl titles, expressed amazement at Daniels' calmness. "Have you seen him with any emotion yet?" Gibbs said. "This man is cool as a cucumber. Nothing shakes him up."
Despite all the accolades, Daniels remains focused on the present. When asked about the significance of potentially becoming the first rookie quarterback in a Super Bowl, he downplayed it. “I’m not even thinking that far,” he said. “It would obviously be a blessing, but I’m just focused on how I can be better, day by day.”
The Eagles’ defense will be preparing for a quarterback who is still improving, as evidenced by the close game between the two teams just a month ago. In Week 16, Washington trailed by 13 points in the fourth quarter before Daniels led a game-winning drive capped by a touchdown pass with just six seconds left.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who has coached in the NFL since 1986, called Daniels “probably the best rookie quarterback” he’s ever seen. "He’s a young quarterback by birth certificate, not by the tape," Fangio remarked.
With one more victory, Daniels could not only lead Washington to the Super Bowl, but also cement his place as one of the greatest rookie quarterbacks in NFL history.