“He’s immortal": Ryan Clark delivers clear verdict on Jayden Daniels ahead of rookie QB's second NFL playoff game

Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders will try to take out one of the best teams in the NFL this season, the Detroit Lions, in the divisional round of the 2024 playoffs. The rookie quarterback has been nothing short of remarkable this campaign, taking his team to the postseason after fighting for the NFC East title with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Following an impressive outing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild card round, Daniels is set to face off against Jared Goff and a Lions team that only lost two games this campaign. On Friday, ESPN analyst Ryan Clark said that Daniels can cement his legacy with a win against Detroit.

“He’s immortal. It’s the greatest rookie season of all time, and the other piece of it is this though – there will never be one that equals it, When you just think about the individual play, obviously, he’s come in and changed the organization," Clark said. "But, I said this about three of the teams left in the NFC playoffs – the Eagles, the Detroit Lions, and the Commanders – all make you defend 10 yards for four plays."

Jayden Daniels was everything people thought Caleb Williams would be this season, but he doesn't seem to be done yet. The job will be hard against a well-rounded Detroit Lions squad, but after performing at a high level in the wild-card round, the Commanders can at least compete with the favorites.

Jayden Daniels, Commanders held off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in wild-card round

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws against Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker J.J. Russell (51). (Credits: IMAGN)

After finishing the 2024 NFL season with a 12-5 record, enough to rank second in the NFC East division and sixth in the conference, the Washington Commanders traveled to Tampa Bay to face Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers.

Despite a rough start for Daniels, who felt the pressure of the Bucs' defense, the rookie quarterback bounced back and led his team to a dramatic 23-20 win last Sunday. Daniels completed 24 of 35 pass attempts for two touchdowns and zero interceptions. He was sacked once, but that didn't matter.

The challenge has become increasingly harder for Saturday, but this team has the tools to make at least the Lions uncomfortable this weekend. Even Jared Goff knows that Daniels won't be easy to take down, but the Detroit Lions are focusing on making him uncomfortable at Ford Field.