After completing one of the most electrifying rookie seasons in NFL history, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels isn't backing down from the rising expectations ahead of his second year.
Selected No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Daniels quickly flipped the fortunes of a struggling franchise. The former LSU standout helped Washington rebound from a four-win season to a Wild Card berth, then led a stunning postseason run that included road upsets over the Buccaneers and Lions.
The Commanders' Cinderella story ultimately ended in the NFC Championship Game against the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, but the message was clear: Daniels had arrived.
Daniels finished his rookie season with 3,568 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and another 891 yards and six scores on the ground. More impressively, he displayed rare poise under pressure, becoming a difference-maker in the biggest moments.
Now heading into his sophomore season, Daniels is eager for even greater challenges, and he's not shy about who he wants to face.
During a recent panel appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York City alongside Hall of Fame quarterbacks Dan Marino and Joe Montana, Daniels was asked which defensive back he's most excited to face in 2025. Eagles corner Quinyon Mitchell was suggested, but Daniels opted for a different answer.
"Quinyon is a good choice. But this year, I would probably say that I'm excited to go against Pat Surtain."
Mitchell had a tremendous rookie season himself, locking down top receivers and finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Rams edge-rusher Jared Verse. Daniels threw for five touchdowns in a comeback win against Philadelphia in Week 16. Mitchell got his revenge in the NFC Championship Game, in which Daniels had a 2.8 passer rating when targeting Mitchell as the primary defender.
While the NFC East rivalry with the Eagles ensures Daniels will get two cracks at Mitchell, it's the Week 13 Sunday Night Football matchup against Denver that has Daniels' attention. The Broncos' defense, led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, finished as the league's top unit in 2024.
The Commanders made key additions this offseason to build around their young star quarterback. They acquired former All-Pro WR Deebo Samuel from the 49ers and 5x Pro Bowl OT Laremy Tunsil, in addition to re-signing TE Zach Ertz and WR Noah Brown. If last season was any indication, Jayden Daniels and the Commanders aren't going to stand by idly while the Eagles win championships.
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This story was originally published June 22, 2025 at 3:38 PM.