Jayden Daniels ‘Willed’ Commanders’ Win vs. Falcons to Clinch Playoffs, Says Quinn

Zach BacharContributor IDecember 30, 2024

Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn gave credit to quarterback Jayden Daniels after the team clinched its first playoff appearance since 2020.

“He just willed it,” Quinn said after a 30-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, per ESPN’s John Keim.

In overtime against Atlanta, Daniels led the Commanders on a 70-yard drive that ended with a two-yard touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz that sealed the win.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportCOMMANDERS WIN IT IN OVERTIME AND ARE PLAYOFF BOUND ‼️

ANOTHER GAME-WINNER FOR JAYDEN DANIELS 🔥

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/zqn3EhHfGI

The victory also clinched a playoff spot for Washington, as Quinn’s squad improved to 11-5.

Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner, who has nine Pro Bowl nods as well as a Super Bowl title, was also impressed with Daniels.

“He’s a special player,” Wagner said, per Ben Standig of The Athletic. “There’s nobody like him.”

Daniels finished 24-of-36 for 227 yards and three touchdowns to go along with one interception despite getting sacked five times. He also picked up a season-high 127 rush yards on 16 carries.

NFL @NFLJayden Daniels is really giving it his all 👏

📺: #ATLvsWAS on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/uoZVak2P72

Washington trailed 17-7 at the half on Sunday, but Daniels helped the Commanders’ offense score 17 points over the final two quarters. A late touchdown by Atlanta sent the game to overtime, but the first-year passer continued to excel and ultimately kept the ball out of the Falcons’ hands.

Daniels has exceeded expectations throughout his rookie season, making it hard to argue his impact on a Commanders team that finished with a record of just 4-13 in 2023.

In 16 starts, the former LSU standout has completed 69.4 percent of his throws for 3,530 yards and 25 touchdowns while getting picked off nine times. He’s also racked up 864 yards and six more scores on the ground, setting a new rushing record among rookie quarterbacks.

B/R Gridiron @brgridiron-First career 100+ rushing yard game ✅
-Playoff berth in his first season ✅
-NFL record ✅

Have a day, Jayden Daniels 🙌 pic.twitter.com/5jorzMOTU3

Daniels led the Commanders to another hard-fought win on Sunday night, earning the praise of Quinn after helping to secure a playoff spot.