Lions coach Aaron Glenn reveals one major insight on Commanders QB Jayden Daniels ahead of NFL divisional round

NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Source: Imagn
NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (image credit: IMAGN)

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has pinpointed a crucial element in Jayden Daniels' game. The Washington Commanders quarterback's composed demeanor and pure joy for football remain constant, even as playoff pressure mounts.

Glenn, who directs the NFL's second-most aggressive blitzing defense (34.6%), must solve the Daniels puzzle in Saturday's divisional round showdown. The Lions' defense faces a Commanders offense that ranks seventh in total yards (369.6) and fifth in scoring (28.5 points per game).

During his press conference on Thursday, Glenn analyzed the Commanders' signal-caller ahead of their primetime battle at Ford Field.

"His demeanor and how calm he is, it pops out, all over the TV copy, when you watch the TV copy," Glenn said (08:10). "Another thing that pops out is he's having fun playing this game, which we all should. But you can tell he's having fun, and there's no better way to play this game but when you're having fun. Obviously, the winning has a lot to do with that."

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This mental fortitude has translated into remarkable efficiency. Washington ranks second in the NFL in scoring drive percentage (50%) and shattered league records with their 87% success rate on fourth-down conversions.

High-stakes chess match looms: Goff vs Jayden Daniels

NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Source: Imagn
NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Source: Imagn

The Lions' defensive strategy under Aaron Glenn could test Jayden Daniels' composure. Detroit's defense leads the NFL in third-down stops, allowing just a 32.4% conversion rate. They've also stifled fourth-down attempts, ranking second by allowing only 41.4% success.

Washington's success often hinges on critical downs. Commanders coach Dan Quinn demonstrated this boldness in their playoff opener against Tampa Bay. The team were 3 of 5 in fourth-down attempts, including a pivotal fourth-and-2 touchdown that secured their victory.

"We were going to be bold but not reckless," Quinn said after Sunday's win. "And I think that's who we are the whole season. But when you do get stopped early, you just have to stay the course."

This matchup features contrasting strengths. Detroit's defense excels against the run (98.4 yards allowed per game, fifth-best), while Washington boasts the third-ranked rushing attack (154.1 yards per game). The Lions struggle against the pass (244 yards allowed, 30th), potentially creating opportunities for Daniels.

Both teams mirror each other's aggressive philosophy. Lions coach Dan Campbell has led the NFL in fourth-down attempts since 2021. His boldness showed against Green Bay this season when he went for fourth-and-1 late in a tie game instead of kicking the field goal.

The winner might emerge from this battle of wills — Glenn's pressure-heavy defense against Daniels' unflappable demeanor.

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Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez
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