3x Super Bowl champ gives clear verdict on Jayden Daniels as $37,746,650 rookie leads Commanders to NFC championship game

Mark Schlereth, the three-time Super Bowl champion and veteran NFL analyst, praised Jayden Daniels' playoff performance with a stunning appraisal. The former offensive lineman highlighted how the rookie quarterback, who is on a four-year $37,746,650 contract (per Spotrac), has outshined every other signal-caller in the postseason.

Schlereth, who won two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos and one with Washington, brings years of combined NFL playing and analysis experience.

Speaking on the "Breakfast Ball Show" on Monday, Schlereth shared his thoughts on Daniels' remarkable journey to the NFC championship game. His comments came after Daniels led the Commanders to a convincing 45-31 victory over the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Saturday.

"He's playing better than any quarterback in the playoffs right now," Schlereth said. "And I mean, you can go back to wild card weekend. There is nobody that has played better at the quarterback position than Jayden Daniels has played so far this year."

The rookie's exceptional performance against Detroit validated Schlereth's assessment. He threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns while maintaining a stellar 122.9 passer rating. He added over 50 rushing yards and crucially, committed zero turnovers in the hostile environment of Ford Field.

Jayden Daniels carrying the team's hopes

Syndication: Detroit Free Press - Source: Imagn

Mark Schlereth emphasized how Washington defensive coordinator Dan Quinn candidly acknowledged the team's defensive limitations early in the season. The revelation makes Daniels' achievements even more impressive.

"It's one of the most remarkable things I have ever witnessed in my entire career is not only a player for 12 years but an analyst for 25 years, that you put 100% of the game on this rookie," Schlereth said.

"When they came into the season defensively, Dan Quinn told me, 'Hey, we're not very good right now. We got to get better right now. We don't have the players we need right now,' but we're going to put it on a rookie, and he's going to lead us to this point and NFC championship game. I tip my cap to Jaden Daniels and Commanders because it's amazing."

The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner's composure has proven vital for Washington's success. His teammates consistently praise his even-keeled approach, with running back Austin Ekeler noting, "No moment gets to him. Good or bad."

This mental fortitude has helped the Commanders secure their first NFC championship appearance in over three decades. It sets up an exciting matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.