Quarterback Jayden Daniels of the 12-5 Washington Commanders will enter the “Sunday Evening Soccer” wild-card playoff recreation on the 10-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers as this season’s uncrowned Offensive Rookie of the 12 months Award winner.
Throughout a current chat with NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports activities Illustrated, Commanders huge receiver Terry McLaurin famous how backup Marcus Mariota has been “the correct of particular person” to share a quarterback room with Daniels since springtime exercises.
“Since he’s bought right here, he’s been an important chief for us. He’s one of the crucial selfless gamers I’ve ever been round,” McLaurin stated about Mariota. “He’s completed nothing however give his finest for the group, whether or not he’s taking reps or he’s sitting on the sidelines teaching us up. …He’s performed a variety of soccer, and he is aware of how one can are available in.”
Mariota by no means grew to become the star the Tennessee Titans hoped they’d get after they made him the second general choose of the 2015 NFL Draft. When he signed with the Commanders final March, it was no secret that Washington would in the end use the second alternative of the 2024 draft on a signal-caller similar to Daniels. It then became clear early into coaching camp that Daniels would win an alleged competitors for the beginning job, however Mariota seemingly by no means grew bitter relating to his scenario.
Teaching, together with a constructive tradition, is seen by analysts as two reasons Daniels flourished all through his rookie season as Caleb Williams, the primary choose of the 2024 draft, struggled with the Chicago Bears. In the meantime, Mariota was known as into motion throughout Washington’s 23-19 win over the rival Dallas Cowboys this previous Sunday and accomplished 15-of-18 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns. He additionally rushed 5 occasions for 56 yards and scored within the victory.
“He simply has a peaceful demeanor about him that makes the whole lot OK,” McLaurin added about Mariota. “For him to return in and execute the way in which that he did along with his legs, along with his arms, that’s what it’s about. That speaks to our tradition the place irrespective of who’s in there, quarterback, receivers, line, protection, the usual is the usual. All of us take satisfaction in upholding that.”
As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Commanders as three-point underdogs versus the Buccaneers. Whereas Washington understandably will need Daniels to take each significant snap of that recreation, it appears like McLaurin and others within the locker room would not lose hope if Mariota had been wanted at Raymond James Stadium in entrance of a prime-time tv viewers.
