A thrilling last-second confrontation results in a significant power shift.
The unusual situation finds the Washington Commanders thriving, boasting one of the top NFL teams after four games. Credit largely goes to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Despite his novice status, Daniels displays the composure of a seasoned veteran, already setting league records.
Reflecting on the past, the Commanders might prefer to avoid reminiscing. A glimmer into the past is, however, necessary, as it contemplates the 'what-ifs'. Would the Commanders enjoy the same joy in Washington as they haven't for a long time? Might they lead the NFC East after four games? Could Jayden Daniels' jersey be the most popular in the league? No, no, and no once again.
This scenario would never have transpired if not for a pivotal moment in the Commanders versus New York Jets match on December 24 of last year. With mere seconds left to play, Washington clung onto a 28:27 lead, but the Jets still held one final chance to turn the game in their favor. Kicker Greg Zuerlein was tasked with making a 54-yard field goal to win the game. The pressure was immense, especially in the cold temperatures. Yet, Zuerlein proved unyielding, nailing the kick, securing a 30:28 victory for New York.
This heart-wrenching defeat on Christmas Eve may have turned out to be the best gift in hindsight for the Commanders. With a record of 4:11, they fell short of a 5:10 record. Moreover, Washington suffered two losses in the final two main round games against San Francisco and Dallas, ending the season with just four victories in 17 matches, second only to the Carolina Panthers (2:15).
The Commanders' Road to Daniels
The less successful teams are rewarded with the first pick at the talent draft in the major North American leagues - theoretically, to offer every team a chance to become champions. With a last-place position, the Commanders were second in line in April, and they selected quarterback Jayden Daniels. If the match had concluded with a Washington victory and a 5:10 record, they would have posed lower in the ranks of the worst teams. The highly sought-after Jayden Daniels would have been unavailable to them.
But here we are with Daniels in Washington, and, to the delight of fans and experts alike, he is making waves. In the span of just four games, he has demonstrated a commanding presence, an eagerness to take charge, and a propensity to embrace risks. His style transcends his rookie status, suggesting years of experienced plays and encounters.
"He doesn't look like a rookie," remarks prolific legend Tom Brady. And such approval from the most accomplished player in NFL history is akin to knighting in this sport.
According to Brady, Daniels has "complete control" over his offense, distributing the football to numerous receivers and taking charge of the football himself. In short, he excels in diverse roles, propelling his team to the top of the NFC East.
A Stagnant Franchise Revitalized
Brady isn't the only one expressing enthusiasm for the young quarterback. Daniels has quickly transformed the NFL, captivating spectators and analysts equally. He has established new records and, perhaps more impressively, has brought a struggling franchise back to life, as highlighted on ESPN.com.
Cowherd commends Daniels' "wonderful story." Cowherd is a renowned sports talk show host in the US, known for his three-hour daily show, "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," which is broadcast live on both radio and television. Nostalgically, Cowherd recalls that Washington was his "favorite team" in the 70s.
From Victory to Despair
Between 1983 and 1992, the franchise triumphed in the Super Bowl three times under the guidance of legendary coach Joe Gibbs. However, the trend shifted under owner Dan Snyder since the turn of the millennium, amounting to two decades shrouded in darkness. But now, asserts Cowherd, the team has found new life. The excitable fanbase is reminiscent of the "Golden State Warriors before Steph Curry."
For context, the basketball team from the San Francisco Bay Area became popular for years, winning the NBA championship in the 1974/75 season. The Warriors' victory against the favored Washington Bullets in just four games remains one of the most significant upsets in league history. The Warriors endured a 40-year drought, but their fortunes finally changed in 2015, led by Steph Curry, picked in 2009. They went on to claim three more titles by 2022.
Statistical Breakthroughs Akin to Championship Seasons
While it's too early to write another success story with Jayden Daniels as the lead actor, one thing is certain: the hype and excitement are back, particularly following back-to-back road wins in Cincinnati and Arizona. This feat was last achieved by the Washington Commanders during their championship year of 1991/92.
Danials' exceptional passing performance in the NFL is truly noteworthy. Breaking records, he managed an unprecedented 82.1% completion rate in the initial four matches. This astonishing figure led "Sports Illustrated" to coin it as "a ridiculous figure." What's more, he maintained a minimum 85% completion rate in victories over Cincinnati and Arizona, a feat never attempted, let alone accomplished, by any NFL quarterback in two sequential games.
Yet, Danials isn't merely a proficient passer; he's also a formidable runner. He's already crossed the goal line four times and amassed a total of 218 yards in September. As a result, Danials was the undisputed winner of the "Rookie of the Month" award, with "Sports Illustrated" declaring him as being on a different level compared to his fellow newcomers.
Despite the acclaim and jubilation, Danials maintains an uncanny composure, remarking, "You can say whatever you want, I'm still a rookie." At a recent press conference, he chose to keep quiet and let others hype him up, instead preferring to let his performance on the field do the talking. This time around, his target is Cleveland's defense at home.
In this revitalized season, the Washington Commanders are not only leading the NFC East but also setting NFL records, with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels breaking the completion rate record with an astounding 82.1% in the first four games. This stellar performance has earned him the "Rookie of the Month" award and has fans and experts alike buzzing about the team's standout quarterback.
As the Commanders continue their winning streak, drawing comparisons to the 2015 Golden State Warriors with Steph Curry, NFL legends like Tom Brady are taking notice and praising the young talent. Brady, in his observation, commends Daniels' "complete control" over the offense and his diverse playing style, crediting him for the team's success.
