The Washington Commanders could very well be the Cinderella story that NFL fans love to cheer for in the playoffs as they upset the Detroit Lions to advance to the NFC Championship Game.
The Commanders beat the Lions 45-31 in arguably the most surprising game of the year, though perhaps people shouldn’t be overlooking the young squad led by head coach Dan Quinn.
Washington quickly established itself as a threat early on in the game, matching Detroit in scoring, though their defense ultimately was the difference in the matchup.
The Commanders’ defense stepped up after an inconsistent 2024 NFL season, forcing five turnovers, including three interceptions on Jared Goff.
However, the real star of the night was Jayden Daniels, who looked calm and composed no matter what kind of defensive look the Lions threw at him.
Louis Riddick pointed out that Daniels was particularly effective whenever he was blitzed via his personal X account.
“There was not a single blitz that Detroit sent at JD last night when passing that resulted in a negative play. Not a single one. On the other hand, when blitzed, he had throws that resulted in gains of: 24 13 11 58 38 14 (scramble) 12 = QBR vs blitz of 99.4 for the night! Not bad huh…,” Riddick tweeted.
There was not a single blitz that Detroit sent at JD last night when passing that resulted in a negative play. Not a single one.
On the other hand, when blitzed, he had throws that resulted in gains of:
24
13
11
58
38
14 (scramble)
12
= QBR vs blitz of 99.4 for the night!
Not…— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) January 19, 2025
Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn didn’t have many answers for Daniels, who happily took what he was given and made the right throw every time.
Daniels doesn’t look like a rookie at all as he steps up and makes plays when needed, giving the Commanders a real shot to make the Super Bowl.
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