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Jayden Daniels matches NFL record for wins by a rookie QB as Commanders stun top seed

Jerit Roser Twitterby: Jerit Roser01/19/25JeritRoser
NFL: NFC Divisional Round-Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions
Jan 18, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws a pass during the first quarter against Detroit Lions in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Another week, and another highlight-reel step into further history for Jayden Daniels.

Washington’s wunderkind quarterback was electric once again Saturday to help lead the sixth-seeded Commanders (14-5) to a 45-31 road upset of No. 1 Detroit (15-3).

The 2023 Heisman winner at LSU has now tied the NFL’s record for most wins by a rookie quarterback, matching former Pittsburgh Steelers star Ben Roethlisberger’s 14 in 2004.

Washington finished last season 4-13 while Daniels was breaking records in Baton Rouge, and the franchise entered this season still looking for its first postseason win since the 2005 season.

Daniels and company won their second road playoff game in seven games Saturday to improve to 14-5 and advance to next week’s NFC Championship. And the Commanders are in the mix of the top single-season turnarounds the NFL has ever seen.

He became just the third rookie quarterback in the league’s history to win two road playoff games, joining Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens, 2008) and Mark Sanchez (New York Jets, 2009).

But Daniels has been far dynamic and far more a catalyst for his Commanders — as he was again Saturday in the biggest game of his young professional career.

The first-year star completed 22 of his 31 passes (71.0%) for 299 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions and rushed 16 times for another 51 yards.

His passing yardage marked his second-highest total of the season.

And after a failed fourth down run by Marcus Mariota in the first quarter, Daniels converted the team’s next three — two passes and a run — including two on a pair of late touchdown drives that helped close out the Lions.

Daniels’ two-game playoff totals are now 46-for-66 (69.7%) for 567 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.

Washington will visit either the No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles or the No. 4 Los Angeles Rams next Sunday for the franchise’s first NFC Championship appearance since its 1991 Super Bowl season.

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