Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has garnered considerable attention across the NFL following a standout performance in the team's 45-31 playoff victory over the top-seeded Detroit Lions. His poise under pressure has drawn high praise, including a notable commendation from an NFL general manager who described him as the most poised quarterback in the entire NFC. This commendation, shared with NFL insider Jordan Schultz, underscores the impact Daniels has made since stepping onto the field.

In the playoff triumph, Daniels demonstrated remarkable skill, throwing for 299 yards and two touchdowns on 22 completions out of 31 attempts, all while avoiding any interceptions and being sacked. His performance helped propel the Commanders into the NFC Championship game for the first time in over three decades—a significant milestone for the franchise. Additionally, Daniels surpassed former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, becoming the rookie with the most combined offensive yards in NFL history, including both regular season and playoff performances. Achieving this record required him to surpass 4,952 yards, a feat he accomplished with a 58-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Terry McLaurin in the second quarter.

Besides his impressive statistics and milestone achievements, Daniels' ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations has been consistently highlighted by those around him. Following a previous playoff win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn praised Daniels for his calming influence on the team during crucial moments. Quinn recalled a memorable comparison to legendary collegiate coach Jay Wright during a championship game, emphasizing Daniels' ability to remain focused and steady regardless of the outcome. As the game against the Lions came to a close, Daniels orchestrated a successful drive down the field, culminating in a field goal that sealed the victory as time expired. His poise is seen as contagious, positively affecting his teammates and enhancing the Commanders' collective performance during this playoff run.