5 major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance vs. the Eagles

Jayden Daniels has been nothing short of phenomenal throughout his rookie campaign. The Washington Commanders have a genuine franchise quarterback moving forward — a sentiment echoed by part-owner Magic Johnson this week. He got the chance to right one of the few wrongs accumulated in 2024 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

This was the scene of arguably Daniels' worst road performance of the campaign. It wasn't a complete disaster and the rib issue also complicated matters, but the signal-caller set high standards for himself that couldn't be reached. Something he was looking to rectify at Northwest Stadium.

Daniels is coming up against a formidable defensive front led by the exceptional defensive tackle tandem of Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. Veteran linebacker Zach Baun will be keeping an eye on the rookie closely. There's also the small matter of an outstanding secondary to get past in pursuit of points.

These are the challenges Daniels relishes. He's a hugely competitive player who's inspired an entire organization. If he could get one over on the Eagles and bolster Washington's postseason chances, it would all but confirm his Pro Bowl distinction.

As it turned out, Daniels brought the Commanders back from the brink to attain a valuable victory right at the death.

With this in mind, here are five major observations from Daniels' performance versus Philadelphia.

Major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance vs. the Eagles

Jayden Daniels on the back foot

Jayden Daniels wasn't anticipating a smooth ride in this one. The Philadelphia Eagles' defense is notoriously difficult to overcome. That was the case right from the outset as the signal-caller went on the back foot immediately.

Philadelphia seized the initiative early. Saquon Barkley ran all over the Commanders and left them chasing the contest even without quarterback Jalen Hurts, who left the contest with a concussion. This piled more pressure on Daniels to produce the goods as the Eagles smelled blood.

Daniels stood up to the challenge. It wasn't perfect, but he was far from their biggest problem. Had the Commanders limited their turnovers, it would have been a lot different.

The Commanders aren't going to have things all their way. Knowing that Daniels can cope with deficits and remain composed amid the chaos provides confidence if the supporting cast improves.

Jayden Daniels' deep throwing

Being down early meant the Washington Commanders had to get more aggressive in pursuit of staying competitive. Fortunately for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, his rookie quarterback is adept at getting the football downfield quickly.

Jayden Daniels' deep-throwing was one of his biggest strengths in college. He had no trouble looking long when the protection held up with his customary velocity and accuracy in Week 16.

Daniels' strike to Dyami Brown was highly impressive. This was swiftly followed by a beautiful touchdown throw to Terry McLaurin, continuing this blossoming connection that is among the league's best.

This is something Kingsbury should arguably be utilizing more. However, it's also worth remembering that the Commanders aren't exactly blessed with consistent pass-catchers aside from McLaurin.

Once general manager Adam Peters rectifies this issue during the offseason, expect Kingsbury to take more downfield risks with Daniels leading the charge. This will add another explosive element to Washington's offense that hasn't been evident at stages throughout the campaign.

Big mistake taints Jayden Daniels' decent first half

It was a decent first half from Jayden Daniels. Not jaw-dropping by any stretch of the imagination, but a solid opening to the game nonetheless.

Things would have looked better had it not been for a big mistake. Daniels overthrew rookie wide receiver Luke McCaffrey on a pass over the middle that was picked off. This wasn't exactly ideal, but turnovers and other costly individual errors were the tale of Washington's game.

It's easy to forget that Daniels is still learning his craft. He's way ahead of most rookies in NFL history at this stage of his career, but silly lapses are still evident. Once the Cajon High School product fixes this with more experience, it'll take his game to new heights.

This up-and-down first half was reflected in Daniels' statistics. Not bad considering the opposition's high standards, but enough to leave room for further improvements.

• 53.33 percent completion
• 108 passing yards
• 2 passing touchdowns
• 1 interception
• 1 sack against
• 32 rushing yards
• 88.3 passer rating (ESPN)

The Commanders were somehow still in the game. Daniels' production was one of the big reasons why they had a fighting chance.

Jayden Daniels kept fighting

The Washington Commanders shot themselves in the foot too many times to count in this one. From the turnovers to the costly penalties and other individual errors, it was a mess almost from start to finish. But they are never out of it with Jayden Daniels under center.

Daniels kept fighting in the face of adversity. His fierce inner drive and competitive spirit came across in abundance during a second-half fightback from Washington. Teammates willingly followed his lead with the same never-say-die attitude.

The Commanders looked out of it down two scores. Daniels wasn't having any of that, spearheading a renaissance and giving Washington the lead in the fourth quarter when he found Olamide Zaccheaus for a 48-yard touchdown.

Washington would have accepted its fate in a similar situation last season. That is no longer the case with Daniels leading the charge. He doesn't take losing gladly and will strive with everything he has to reach his goals.

It won't bring success all the time, but it typifies the complete culture shift across the franchise.

Jayden Daniels' clutch gene

When Jayden Daniels threw his second interception of the game in the fourth quarter, that looked like the end of Washington's quest. But after the Eagles settled for a field goal, he got a chance to atone for his mistake.

Mission accomplished.

Daniels' clutch gene came to the fore in no uncertain terms. The signal-caller was dazzling on the final drive of the game, showcasing his nerves of steel and outstanding mobility to keep the chains moving. With 10 seconds left, the rookie trusted his progressions and flawless composure to find Jamison Crowder in the end zone.

The Commanders secured a priceless triumph despite coughing up five turnovers. Washington had Daniels to thank, who finished with five touchdown passes to give the team's playoff hopes a massive boost at the best possible time.

Daniels is the franchise player. When it was time to push all his chips into the middle and produce the goods, he duly delivered.

And the Commanders should thank their lucky stars that the Chicago Bears took Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

More Commanders news and analysis