Former NFL quarterback and three-time Pro Bowler Alex Smith got slammed for saying Patrick Mahomes does “more with less” than Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. What type of backlash is Smith facing?
Alex Smith Slammed for Saying Patrick Mahomes Does ‘More With Less’ Weapons Than Jayden Daniels
Following the Divisional Round of the playoffs, former NFL quarterback Alex Smith claimed on “Get Up on ESPN” that Mahomes has done more with fewer weapons than Washington’s star rookie Daniels.
“The weapons he has, the offense he plays in. Patrick Mahomes has done more with less than any other quarterback in the league,” said Smith.
Alex Smith says that Patrick Mahomes is doing “more with less” compared to Jayden Daniels & other QBs 😳
(via:@GetUpESPN) pic.twitter.com/wUEB61UnSH
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) January 20, 2025
This caused a lot of disruption amongst the show’s cast and even led co-host Damien Woody to slam Smith for this take, saying, “Excuse me. What elite weapons does Washington have? Hold on, now. What we’re not gonna do is sit here and act like the Washington Commanders have the greatest show on turf-type weapons at their disposal right now. It’s because of Jayden Daniels.”
While Smith didn’t say that the Commanders had amazing weapons, Woody makes a great point. Daniels has undeniably been amazing in the playoffs and he has been at the center of the Commanders’ success.
In the one game Mahomes has played in, he threw for just 177 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, many fans felt as though he had a lot of help from the refs.
Even if Mahomes has done a lot with a supporting cast that hasn’t been great, it’s not fair to discredit Daniels for doing the same.
Damien Woody Says Daniels Has Been the Best Quarterback in the Playoffs Thus Far
Through his first two playoff games in the NFL, Daniels has thrown for 567 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions as he’s been nearly flawless as a passer. He’s also added 87 yards on the ground, displaying his ability to extend a play and a drive when needed.
His play has been so good that Woody said he is the “best quarterback in the playoffs.”
“He’s (Daniels) the best quarterback in these playoffs right now… I dare anyone to challenge me on that,” said Woody.
"He's the best quarterback in these playoffs right now. … I dare anyone to challenge me on that."@damienwoody on Jayden Daniels 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZhPuRDHVdQ
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) January 20, 2025
Though Daniels has been amazing, it’s very difficult to place him over quarterbacks like Mahomes and Josh Allen who have been among the top players in the NFL for the majority of their careers.
Even Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has consistently been a winner and made it to the Super Bowl already. This isn’t to say Daniels is the worst quarterback remaining, but he’s certainly the most inexperienced in the playoffs, which plays a factor.
Washington’s dominance over the Lions was impressive, but Detroit was injured and their defense simply wasn’t up for the challenge of a playoff environment. It’ll be very interesting to see how Daniels plays against one of the league’s best defenses on one of the biggest stages possible.
