Magic Johnson isn’t just about slam dunks and no-look passes; he’s calling audibles for his Washington Commanders now! After a nail-biting 20–19 win over the New Orleans Saints, Johnson delivered a serious PSA: protect Jayden Daniels at all costs. The rookie QB dazzled under pressure, pulling off clutch plays that kept fans hooked.
But let’s be real: his O-line did give off some serious Swiss cheese vibes, and Johnson’s not having it.
Magic Johnson’s Warning: Protect Jayden Daniels, Save the Commanders’ Playoff Run
The Commanders may have pulled off a nail-biter against the Saints, but Johnson’s message postgame wasn’t about celebration — it was about protection.
“Commanders fans, we escaped with a win and kept our Playoff hopes alive! Although we won, we can’t have our QB Jayden Daniels sacked 8 times,” the Commanders’ minority owner posted on X after the win. Despite the victory, Johnson is sounding alarms for his team to step up and protect their star rookie QB.
Commanders fans, we escaped with a win and kept our Playoff hopes alive! Although we won, we can’t have our QB Jayden Daniels sacked 8 times.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 15, 2024
Daniels showed why he’s the team’s future, throwing for 226 yards and two TDs (both to Terry McLaurin) while rushing for another 66 yards on 11 attempts.
His performance powered Washington to a 17–0 lead early, capitalizing on the Saints missing Derek Carr (out with a fractured hand). But the Commanders’ O-line? It turned into a turnstile, allowing eight sacks that nearly cost them the game.
The Saints, down 17-0, turned to rookie Spencer Rattler in the second half.
Rattler replaced a struggling Jake Haener and nearly engineered a comeback with a touchdown pass to tight end Foster Moreau as time expired. The Saints went for the gutsy two-point conversion, but Rattler’s throw missed, sealing the Commanders’ win.
The Commanders’ playoff push is alive and kicking with the win (9–5), keeping their NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles from clinching the division — at least for now.
But Johnson’s warning highlights the team’s inconsistency. Daniels was efficient, but his eight sacks came from a mix of O-line struggles, receivers failing to create separation, and a young QB holding the ball too long.
The Commanders showed fight, but their playoff hopes hinge on keeping their rookie phenom upright. If Johnson’s plea isn’t heeded, this playoff run could fizzle out faster than it began.
Johnson’s Smoothie Shoutout Sparks Trade Rumor Buzz
Before critiquing the Commanders’ close win, Johnson stirred up NBA chatter with a shoutout to D’Angelo Russell.
“I was at Erewhon this morning and picked up their new smoothie honoring Laker D’Angelo Russell!” Magic tweeted Sunday, showcasing the player’s signature drink.
I was at Erewhon this morning and picked up their new smoothie honoring Laker D’Angelo Russell! pic.twitter.com/sApg704sJ8
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 15, 2024
The timing? Ironic. Russell’s name has been swirling in trade rumors, and some fans called Johnson’s post “the kiss of death.” After all, Johnson famously traded Russell to Brooklyn in 2016.
From smoothies to sacks, Johnson shifted gears later, watching his Commanders scrape by the Saints — but it’s his Laker smoothie plug that’s stealing the spotlight.
