The Washington Commanders were a good Cinderella story for most people heading into the NFL playoffs. After years, even decades, of mediocrity, Washington’s future looks set thanks to an electric offense courtesy of rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. However, the Commanders opened some eyes over the weekend, dispatching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a poised, mature showing for the young squad.
But it wasn’t their offense or a surprisingly adequate defense on the night that had fans gushing about the team. Instead, it was a relatively inconspicuous moment towards the end of the encounter that caught everyone’s attention.
Fans Go Gaga Over Jayden Daniels’ Stone-Cold Personality
A Chase McLaughlin field goal tied the game for the Buccaneers at 20 apiece. However, it also set up a clock-draining, four-minute and 41-second drive for the Commanders.
Washington drained out the clock to set up a game-winning field goal from 37 yards out with just two seconds left on the clock. Zane Gonzalez doinked it in off the right upright, and Washington had won its first playoff game in 19 years.
However, as the euphoria in the Commanders’ sideline or on the field around Gonzalez descended, a stoic Daniels was channeling his inner “Job’s not finished” Kobe Bryant or, as some termed it, Tom Brady.
The official NFL page posted a side-by-side video of the quarterback and the action on the field, and fans were immediately in love.
“WILD: Jayden Daniels was ice-cold watching the game-winning field goal that advanced the #Commanders to the next round—the Tom Brady killer mentality.”
WILD: Jayden Daniels was ice-cold watching the game-winning field goal that advanced the #Commanders to the next round—the Tom Brady killer mentality.
JAYDEN HAS ONE GOAL IN MIND: A SUPER BOWL WIN.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 13, 2025
For some, it reminded them of the iconic Bryant press conference from 2010 after he went up 3-1 in the NBA Finals.
“Epitome of Kobe’s ‘job not finished.’ Let’s keep going all the way to the Super Bowl!”
Epitome of Kobe’s “job not finished.” Let’s keep going all the way to the Super Bowl!
— Dr. Erwin Hesse (@ErwinHesse) January 13, 2025
Daniels’ play in the game, which included 268 passing yards, a team-leading 36 rushing yards, and two touchdowns, even had fans in Detroit worried for their Division Round clash.
“As a Lions fan I both love watching Jayden Daniels play and am nervous going into next weeks game”
As a Lions fan I both love watching Jayden Daniels play and am nervous going into next weeks game
— Tommy the Greek (@TKambers) January 13, 2025
The very likely Offensive Rookie of the Year, Daniels has already proven himself time and time again. Whether it’s clutch drives, Hail Marys, or a road playoff victory in his first playoff game, he has it all. For many, this was further confirmation.
“We are watching a star in the making! Wow, just wow!”
We are watching a star in the making! Wow, just wow!
— Heath Higgins (@WAYwardProject) January 13, 2025
Some credit went to the Commanders’ ownership and management as well. Both head coach Dan Quinn and Daniels have been raucous successes as the team has gone from a bottom-feeder to a playoff winner in the span of a season.
“Commanders turned the whole franchise around in 1 year. Impressive.”
Commanders turned the whole franchise around in 1 year.
Impressive
— Wealth Warrior (@WealthWarri0r) January 13, 2025
A Cinderella story has quickly become a living, breathing monster. While not many gave Washington a puncher’s chance going into the playoffs, their victory over the Buccaneers has opened quite a few eyes around the league.
Even though Detroit might be a bridge too far to cross for them, it isn’t as clear-cut as it would have been just 24 hours ago. And at the center of it all is Jayden Daniels.