Things changed overnight for the Washington Commanders franchise. Some people believe that change happened when Josh Harris bought the team.
Others credited the hiring decisions of both Adam Peters and Dan Quinn.
But in a very real way ...
The world changed when second-overall pick Jayden Daniels was drafted for Washington last season. Almost overnight, the Commanders found a quarterback who was one of the best in the league.
His infectious personality helped transform the entire organization from one of the hunters in the league to one of the hunted.
“That’s the type of team and energy that we damn sure want,” Quinn said on The Green Light with Chris Long podcast. “He’s got a really cool blend of confidence and humility.
"He can vibe with the teammates in the same way, but like ... he is a stone cold, get-after-it killer in terms of preparation, what to do, and how to go after it.”
Daniels led Washington to 12 wins last season and their first appearance in the NFC Title game in over three decades. He was able to help the Commanders become one of the most electric offenses in the game.
Now, the mindset has shifted. Washington will no longer be able to surprise teams this year, and there will be no more upsets.
The Commanders have a Super Bowl team. Their quarterback is at the forefront of that.
While the rest of the NFL tries to match up against Washington, Daniels is making sure the rest of his team is ready for tougher opponents and matchups and can rise above it all.
That's what championship teams do, after all.