Vic Fangio’s Shocking Take on Jayden Daniels’ True Potential

Jayden Daniels is about to make history this Sunday. The Washington Commanders quarterback has the opportunity to do what no other rookie QB has ever done: win a conference championship game. When he faces off against the Philadelphia Eagles at 3 p.m. ET, Daniels will become the sixth rookie quarterback to start a conference championship game. However, the previous five rookies have not been successful, combining for just four passing touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Despite his rookie status, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio sees Daniels in a different light.

“He’s a young quarterback by birth certificate, not by the tape,” Fangio said on Tuesday, via the team’s official transcript. “You know, the guy is playing extremely well. You can tell how much they trust him by the volume of their offense and the things they allow him to do. He’s come through for them in a big way, and he’s tough to handle.”

Jayden Daniels’ Impressive Poise and Experience

At just 24 years old, Daniels entered the NFL with an impressive 55 collegiate starts under his belt. This wealth of experience has allowed him to play with an uncommon level of poise for a rookie. His ability to play smart, knowing when to release the ball quickly and when to take risks, has set him apart from many of his peers.

Fangio, when asked if Daniels might be the best rookie quarterback ever, didn’t hesitate: “You know, probably, yeah,” he said, underscoring just how impressive the young QB’s performance has been.

Daniels Shattering Rookie Records in the Playoffs

Daniels has already broken numerous rookie records and has set a high bar for future quarterbacks. His postseason achievements include a host of rookie-firsts:

– First QB to lead his team in rush yards during the regular season and make the playoffs.

– First rookie to throw 2+ passing touchdowns in a road playoff win (against the Buccaneers).

– First rookie to lead his team in both pass and rush yards during a playoff win (against the Buccaneers).

– First rookie to defeat the No. 1 scoring offense in the playoffs (the Lions).

– First rookie to defeat multiple top-five scoring offenses in the playoffs (Buccaneers and Lions).

– First rookie to defeat multiple No. 1 overall drafted QBs in the playoffs (Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff).

– First rookie to record over 300 offensive yards in multiple playoff games.

– First rookie to post a passer rating above 100 in multiple playoff games.

– First rookie to win multiple playoff games without a top-three scoring defense.

– Highest passer rating in road games, including playoffs (110.1).

– Most offensive yards in a rookie season, including playoffs (5,113 yards).

Winning Against the Odds

What makes Daniels’ run even more impressive is that unlike the previous five rookie quarterbacks to start a conference championship game, Daniels is doing so with a defense ranked 18th in scoring. The other rookie quarterbacks, including Brock Purdy (2022), Mark Sanchez (2009), Ben Roethlisberger (2004), Joe Flacco (2008), and Shaun King (1999), all had a top-3 scoring defense to support their playoff run.

Fangio noted that Daniels’ ability to handle any situation makes him especially dangerous. No matter how defenses approach him, Daniels seems to have an answer. If defenders rush too aggressively, he can beat them with his legs. If they’re too passive, he’ll carve them apart with his arm.

“Yeah, it’s always a fine line there,” Fangio said. “If you’re mush rushing, then he stands forever, too. So we have to do a good job of rushing, whether it’s four or five, and make sure we don’t give him extra time.”

The Moment Won’t Be Too Big for Daniels

As Daniels prepares for his historic playoff game, one thing is certain: the pressure of the moment won’t overwhelm him. Despite being a rookie in name, Daniels has proven that he has the composure and skill to handle the brightest lights of the postseason. Whether he wins or loses, his journey to this point is a testament to his incredible talent and maturity, and he has already redefined expectations for rookie quarterbacks in the NFL.

With Daniels under center, the Washington Commanders have a unique opportunity to make history and possibly take down one of the league’s best teams in the Philadelphia Eagles. His performance this season, and especially in the playoffs, has already cemented his place as one of the most impressive rookie quarterbacks in recent memory, if not of all time.