What makes Jayden Daniels so good?
Way back then, there was British TV comedian Paul Daniels. I watched over without working out his tricks, but then you're not supposed to; instead, speculate and get frustrated. Jayden Daniels will frustrate many a defensive coordinator over the next 15 years!
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A recurring headline across U.S. sports outlets this snow-laden Monday was how rookie quarterback (QB) Jayden Daniels shone brightest on a frigid NFL weekend—he plays for the Washington Commanders—as lame a franchise name as there is in the NFL—but hey, 2025 might be the year they lose their Redskins hoodoo.
Saturday night in the motor city, the Daniels-led Washington Commanders pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the top-seeded Detroit Lions 45-31 so advancing to the NFC championship game, marking their first appearance since winning the Super Bowl 33 years hence. Daniels had two touchdowns and zero turnovers, throwing for 299 yards and rushing for 51 yards—a telling quinella.
Detroit, who entered the playoffs with a franchise record of 15 regular season wins and holding the popular vote amongst non-represented NFL teams, were plagued by turnovers—five in total. Their QB, Jared Goff, had a tough night, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble. On the other side of the ball, the Lions' defence struggled to contain the Commanders, allowing a season-high 45 points. When the dust settles, Detroit must feel they missed an opportunity.
As a side note, being unable to stream sports is disappointing when you subscribe to a service, and they decide to geo-block you for being out of the country. January is typically BBL (cricket) time—especially when there's Geelong representation. Anyway, I shouldn't whinge. No cricket, more football (NFL), has been the medicine. A 65' TV, comfortable couch, reasonable proximity to the fridge, with Back East Brewing available, what more do you need—Kayo.
So with that, it had me thinking—why is Jayden Daniels so good?
And how did Sachin Tendulkar do what he did at such a young age?
Tiger Woods, where do you start?
Pelé was 17 years old when he played in his first World Cup.
Boris Becker should have been sitting exams; instead, he was booming passes down the forehand line.
Michael Jordan transcended basketball the moment he put on a Bulls uniform.
It's too easy to say they were all naturals, destined to become who they became. Yes, they were superstars in their respective sports, but just saying they were natural is too easy.
"What stands them out, other than the obvious?" I asked.
Tendulkar's case is more straightforward because I'm a cricket person. He was rarely out of position; Tendulkar waited for the ball as if he could read the bowler's mind—which he did, giving a false sense of time and space. The little master created his window with a preemptive mindset.
Tiger Woods embraced his Father's military background, developing a killer-like (that may be a bit strong) persona from the moment he turned pro. Nothing could replace the winning habits he forged from an early age. Becker's game was blindingly orthodox. Single-handed from both sides, a booming, curving serve and a commanding net presence, giving Becker all the tools he needed.
I can still see Pelé rising above his defender at the back post to head home the opening goal in the 1970 World Cup Final. The goal highlighted Pelé's incredible aerial ability and positional sense, appearing to hang in the air before powering the ball inside the near post. It was intuitive positioning and stealth finishing on the game's biggest stage. Pelé's marker, Tarcisio Burgnich, said later, "I told myself before the game, 'He's made of skin and bones just like everyone else—but I was wrong."
And where to start with Michael Jordan? A recurring theme from the beautifully crafted Netflix series ‘The Last Dance’ was his relentless competitive drive and ability to turn any perceived slight into fuel for excellence. The series particularly highlighted how Jordan often manufactured personal vendettas to maintain an edge and fuel his motivation and obsession to win at all costs.
From Tendulkar's almost mystic ability to read opponents to Woods' military-precise winning mentality, to Becker's technical mastery, to Pelé's positional brilliance, and Jordan's legendary competitive drive—each demonstrated that true greatness requires both mental and physical excellence operating in perfect harmony. They didn't just play their sports; they reimagined what was possible within them. Another trait shared is their lack of weaknesses—rank-and-file professional athletes must co-manage gaps in their games and concurrently stand up in clutch moments. I often tell young players, "It's better to know what you cannot do than know your strengths."
Jayden Daniels entered the NFL with a compelling combination of elite athleticism and rapidly developing quarterback skills. His college career at LSU, particularly his final season, showcased a player who evolved from an athlete playing quarterback to a quarterback who happens to be an exceptional athlete. His decision-making, ability to read a defence, and confidence in his passing game all rose rapidly.
To my untrained eye, what makes Daniels watchable is his ability to process information in play. Most of the rest, QBs, either run or pass—Patrick Mahomes aside. Yet Daniels maintains his passing options even when escaping the pocket—and those nasty big guys with the high jersey numbers—showing a rare ability to extend plays without defaulting to the run or getting sacked.
I didn't know this! "Most plays in the NFL rarely unfold as designed." I'm curious about the dialogue behind those guarded play sheets.
NFL football strikes me as a coach-driven game—even if the plays don't always follow script. So, the challenge to progression for Jayden Daniels might not sit in his hands but that of his coaches. Given the breadth of his ability and game awareness, the job of coaching and nurturing his talent might not be a straightforward practice. Less is more could be the mantra.
One last trait of the above is their 'ease of movement.' None seem hurried when pressured. Their motion is slow to the eye yet quick enough to outpace their opponents.
Why not Jayden Daniels and the Commanders?
