By Matt Moscona
Jayden Daniels continues to defy odds and make history.
The record-breaking Heisman winner from LSU guided the Washington Commanders to a stunning 45-31 upset win over the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Round. Next week, Washington will face the winner of Sunday’s Philadelphia-Los Angeles Rams game with a spot in Super Bowl LIX on the line.
The No. 2 overall draft pick is one win away from becoming the first rookie quarterback ever to lead his team to the Super Bowl. Daniels becomes only the sixth rookie quarterback in NFL history to earn a berth in the conference championship game. The previous five–Shaun King (Tampa Bay, 1999), Ben Roethelisberger (Pittsburgh, 2004), Joe Flacco (Baltimore, 2008), Mark Sanchez (New York Jets, 2009), Brock Purdy (San Francisco, 2022)–all lost.
Daniels completed 22-of-31 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns against the top-seeded Lions. He added 16 rushed for 51 yards. Washington did not commit a turnover, while capitalizing on five Detroit giveaways.
There was more history Saturday night in Detroit as Daniels broke Andrew Luck’s record for most offensive yards by a rookie, including playoffs. Daniels surpassed Luck’s 4,952 yards in the second quarter on a 58-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin. In the process, Daniels also became the first rookie quarterback to account for over 300 yards in two playoff games.
Daniels is expected to be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year just one season after hoisting the Heisman Trophy during his final season at LSU.
