Jayden Daniels Poised to Make History as the NFL’s ‘Greatest Rookie Quarterback’ on Sunday
With a win against the Philadelphia Eagles, Daniels could become the first rookie quarterback to reach the Super Bowl.
WASHINGTON — Jayden Daniels’ remarkable rookie season in the NFL is already rewriting the record books, and a win on Sunday could elevate him to unprecedented heights. With his commanding performance throughout the season, Daniels has positioned himself to become the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to lead his team to a Super Bowl.
The Washington Commanders’ 24-year-old quarterback, selected second overall in the draft, has defied expectations from the very start. Daniels’ 891 rushing yards in the regular season set a new rookie quarterback record, and his 46 postseason completions are also the most ever by a first-year quarterback.
In his playoff debut, Daniels guided Washington to its first postseason win since 2005. He then led the Commanders to an upset victory over the NFC’s top seed, sending them to their first conference championship game since 1991. Just six more passing yards will push Daniels past Russell Wilson for the most postseason passing yards by a rookie.
As Daniels prepares for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the stakes could not be higher. A victory would send him to the Super Bowl, making him the first rookie starting quarterback to achieve such a feat. His accomplishments have already earned him the title of Offensive Rookie of the Year, but this Sunday’s game could solidify his place in NFL history.
"To see what he’s doing as a rookie, I will say he is the greatest rookie quarterback ever," said Eagles cornerback Darius Slay on his podcast.
While Daniels’ accomplishments are impressive, even getting this far has been a significant achievement. He is only the sixth rookie quarterback to start in a conference championship, following in the footsteps of quarterbacks like Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco, and Mark Sanchez, all of whom were supported by strong defenses. In contrast, Washington's defense has allowed the 18th-most points this season, leaving Daniels with less margin for error.
Yet Daniels has remained unflappable. His clutch performances, including a dramatic comeback victory over Chicago in Week 8 and a game-winning touchdown pass against Atlanta in Week 17, demonstrate his calm under pressure. He also led Washington to a crucial third-down conversion late in the fourth quarter against the top-seeded Detroit Lions, all while smiling and chatting with opponents.
Daniels’ 12 touchdown passes in the fourth quarter or overtime were the most by any rookie in NFL history, highlighting his ability to perform in critical moments.
Washington head coach Dan Quinn praised Daniels' rare poise. “He’s got rare in-the-moment skills that have allowed us to be in this spot,” Quinn said. “When it’s mental chaos going down and two minutes, he’s got the experience of somebody that’s played a lot more football than a first-year player.”
For Daniels, football is more than just a game—it’s an outlet. "Football is just fun, and it’s like a safe haven for me," he said. "I’m not really going out there and stressing about the moment because at the end of the day, I get to do what I love."
Former Washington coach Joe Gibbs, who led the team to three Super Bowl victories, marveled at Daniels' calm demeanor. "Have you seen him with any emotion yet?" Gibbs said. "This man is cool as a cucumber. Nothing shakes him up."
Despite the attention and accolades, Daniels remains focused on the task at hand. When asked about the possibility of becoming the first rookie quarterback to reach the Super Bowl, he brushed it off. "I’m not even thinking that far," he said. "It would obviously be a blessing, but I’m just focused on how can I be better, day by day."
The Eagles' defense will certainly be on edge, remembering how Daniels led Washington to a thrilling comeback victory over Philadelphia just one month ago in Week 16. With a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter, Daniels orchestrated a 57-yard drive capped off by a game-winning touchdown pass with just six seconds left.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, with decades of NFL coaching experience, called Daniels "probably the best rookie quarterback" he has ever seen. “He’s a young quarterback by birth certificate, not by the tape,” Fangio said.
As Daniels prepares to make history on Sunday, all eyes will be on the young quarterback as he aims to lead Washington to the Super Bowl—and, in the process, cement his legacy as one of the greatest rookie quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen.