Jayden Daniels is a superstar. The Washington Commanders hit the jackpot when they selected him at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Of course, this all started with Week 6's opponents focusing on one prospect and one prospect only during their assessments.
The Chicago Bears taking Caleb Williams was a foregone conclusion from a long way out. He's coming along after some early jitters, but Daniels is already in the elite conversation after a rookie campaign for the ages.
And Ben Johnson knows it.
Jayden Daniels brings a fear factor to the Commanders that's difficult to ignore
Chicago's new head coach is well aware of the difficulties his team will face when going up against Daniels on Monday Night Football. Johnson said Washington's signal-caller brings a fear factor that's difficult to ignore. He also knows that it's going to take everyone on defense to contain the Heisman Trophy winner effectively.
"He’s dangerous. I think that’s a big reason why their running game is what it is. He strikes a lot of fear in opposing coaches, because you look at him, you’ve got to account for him. Not just as an accurate passer, not just as a scrambler, but the quarterback driven run game that they do a lot of. He’s fast, slippery — it’s going to take all 11 guys playing disciplined football to make sure we contain their attack."
Ben Johnson via Heavy
This isn't breaking news to Commanders fans. They know how special Daniels is. They are lucky to have him, and Washington will only go as far as its dynamic quarterback takes them moving forward.
Daniels lives for the big moments. When the lights get brighter and the game gets tighter, that's when he flourishes. The Commanders' success last season came on the back of winning so many close-fought contests. That was spearheaded by the former LSU sensation.
Johnson's opinion is one likely shared around the league. Players like Daniels don't come along every day — a legitimate game-changer with the poise and ruthless mentality to hurt defenses in so many different ways. His natural aura and fun-loving demeanor only endeared him further to fans and teammates. He competes hard, always with a smile on his face.
The Bears thought they'd got the better of Washington last season before Daniels worked his magic with a little bit of luck thrown in for good measure. His knee sprain didn't seem to bother him against the Los Angeles Chargers, so Johnson and his team will have their work cut out for them on primetime.
Everyone has a plan for Daniels. Most of the time, it doesn't matter.