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Pat McAfee Issues Strong Statement About Jayden Daniels

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Mariano | Last updated Dec 30, 2024 10:09 AM ET

The Washington Commanders punched their ticket to the playoffs on Sunday after beating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime, 30-24.

Four quarters weren't enough for the nip-and-tuck affair, and it was Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels who delivered the final blow after connecting with tight end Zach Ertz for the game-winning touchdown.

It was Daniels' third touchdown pass in a game wherein he also ran for a season-high 127 yards, including 42 in the extra period. He finished 24-of-36 for 227 yards.

The 24-year-old signal-caller helped the Commanders erase a 10-point deficit at halftime and improved to 11-5. They could still get the sixth seed in the NFC if they defeat the Dallas Cowboys in their final assignment.

ESPN host Pat McAfee couldn't help but gush about Daniels and Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

"Future is so bright in the NFL," wrote McAfee on X. "Football gods have blessed us with Jayden Daniels, (who) deserves MVP chatter as a rookie, and Penix Jr. appears to have the makings of a guy too."

Future is so bright in the NFL…

Football Gods have blessed us with Jayden Daniels, deserves MVP chatter as a rookie, and Penix Jr appears to have the makings of a GUY too

What a game
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 30, 2024

While Daniels has been special, the MVP race has boiled down to three candidates: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.

The No. 2 overall pick, however, could be a lock for Rookie of the Year. If he wins it, he would be only the third player to do so in team history after quarterback Robert Griffin III in 2012 and running back Mike Thomas in 1975.

McAfee's praise of Daniels and Penix was the total opposite of his earlier post on X , wherein he went on a rant against his former team, the Indianapolis Colts.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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