Here's a rewritten version: "Why Jayden Daniels Has the Potential to Become the 'Greatest Rookie Quarterback Ever' This Sunday"

 By defeating the division rival Philadelphia Eagles, Daniels would become the first rookie quarterback to reach the Super Bowl.

Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders in Detroit on Jan. 18.

Jan. 24, 2025, 3:01 AM GMT+6

Jayden Daniels entered the NFL as the second overall pick in the draft, but his rookie season will be remembered for much more than that.

Few quarterbacks in NFL history have achieved as many milestones in their debut year as Washington’s 24-year-old sensation. Daniels rushed for 891 yards during the regular season, setting a new all-time record for rookie quarterbacks.

In the playoffs, Daniels elevated his game further. In his postseason debut, he led Washington to its first playoff victory since 2005. A week later, he orchestrated an upset over the NFC’s top seed, propelling the Commanders to their first conference title game appearance since 1991. His 46 postseason completions are already the most ever by a rookie quarterback, and with just six more passing yards, he will surpass Russell Wilson for the rookie postseason passing yards record.

These achievements have cemented Daniels as the frontrunner for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. However, his story could reach even greater heights. On Sunday, Daniels has the opportunity to become the first rookie quarterback to start in a Super Bowl with a victory in the NFC Championship Game against Philadelphia.

“To see what he’s doing as a rookie, I’ll say he’s the greatest rookie quarterback ever,” Eagles cornerback Darius Slay declared on his podcast.

If Daniels wins three playoff games—a rookie record—and captures a Super Bowl berth, it would provide historical backing to such claims. Even reaching this stage is a rarity. Daniels is just the sixth rookie quarterback to start in a conference championship game. The previous five—including Shaun King, Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco, Mark Sanchez, and Brock Purdy—had the benefit of playing with elite defenses. Washington’s defense, ranked 18th in points allowed this season, has offered Daniels far less support, making his accomplishments even more impressive.

Daniels’ poise under pressure has been remarkable. In Week 8, he led a last-second comeback to defeat Chicago. In Week 17, his overtime touchdown pass secured a win over Atlanta. Against the top-seeded Lions in the playoffs, Daniels smiled while chatting with defenders moments before a critical third-down conversion late in the game—then proceeded to secure the first down. His 12 touchdown passes in the fourth quarter or overtime during the regular season set yet another rookie record.

“He’s the Terminator,” Washington head coach Dan Quinn said. “He has rare in-the-moment skills that allow him to thrive under pressure. When the game gets chaotic, he has the calm and presence of a player far beyond his years.”

Daniels attributes part of his success to his basketball background in Southern California, which helped him develop vision and spatial awareness. But he also credits his mindset. “For me, football is just fun. It’s my safe haven,” Daniels said. “Everything I’ve been through personally in life makes this feel stress-free. At the end of the day, I’m just doing what I love.”

Joe Gibbs, the legendary coach who led Washington to three Super Bowl titles, marveled at Daniels’ unflappable demeanor. “Have you seen him show any emotion yet?” Gibbs said in a radio interview. “This man is cool as a cucumber. Nothing rattles him.”

Daniels’ humility is as striking as his composure. When asked about the potential significance of being the first rookie quarterback to start in a Super Bowl, Daniels deflected the question. “I’m not even thinking that far ahead,” he said. “It would be a blessing, but right now, I’m focused on getting better every day.”

Philadelphia’s defense is preparing for Daniels with the utmost respect. Just a month ago, during a Week 16 matchup in Philadelphia, Daniels rallied Washington from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit, capping the comeback with a game-winning touchdown pass in the final seconds.

Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, a veteran of nearly four decades in the NFL, summed it up succinctly: “Daniels is probably the best rookie quarterback I’ve ever seen.”