Quarterback Jayden Daniels of the 12-5 Washington Commanders will enter the “Sunday Night time Soccer” wild-card playoff sport on the 10-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers as this season’s uncrowned Offensive Rookie of the 12 months Award winner.
Throughout a latest chat with NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports activities Illustrated, Commanders huge receiver Terry McLaurin famous how backup Marcus Mariota has been “the proper of particular person” to share a quarterback room with Daniels since springtime exercises.
“Since he’s obtained right here, he’s been an amazing chief for us. He’s one of the crucial selfless gamers I’ve ever been round,” McLaurin mentioned about Mariota. “He’s achieved nothing however give his greatest for the staff, whether or not he’s taking reps or he’s sitting on the sidelines teaching us up. …He’s performed a number of soccer, and he is aware of 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 decide 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 comparable to Daniels. It then grew to become 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 causes Daniels flourished all through his rookie season as Caleb Williams, the primary decide of the 2024 draft, struggled with the Chicago Bears. In the meantime, Mariota was referred to 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 instances for 56 yards and scored within the victory.
“He simply has a relaxed demeanor about him that makes every little thing OK,” McLaurin added about Mariota. “For him to return in and execute the best way 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 pleasure 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 sport, it appears like McLaurin and others within the locker room would not lose hope if Mariota have been wanted at Raymond James Stadium in entrance of a prime-time tv viewers.
