The Washington Commanders’ impressive performance this season is largely due to the remarkable play of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Drafted as the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Daniels has set the rookie quarterback record for rushing yards in a season with 891 yards. He also finished the season ranked 11th among all NFL quarterbacks in passer rating, which stands at an impressive 100.1. His dual-threat capabilities have made him a key factor in the Commanders’ success.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell recently spoke about the challenge of containing Daniels, emphasizing how difficult it will be to neutralize his skill set. Campbell described Daniels as a quarterback who does not play like a rookie, noting his poise, field awareness, and ability to extend plays with his legs. Campbell praised Daniels’ football intelligence and his ability to efficiently run the offense, stressing the significant threat he presents to defenses.
The Lions’ defense, which is accustomed to dealing with mobile quarterbacks, focuses on disciplined pass-rushing techniques to contain such threats. Their defensive approach typically involves maintaining structured rushing lanes and applying pressure on the pocket. However, the Lions are also known for being aggressive on defense, especially after dealing with several key injuries in their defensive ranks. This aggressiveness is evident in their high blitz rate, which ranks second in the NFL at 37.1 percent.
Against the blitz, Daniels has proven to be highly effective, outperforming his overall performance when not facing pressure. According to NFL Pro data, Daniels has completed 101 of 154 passes for 1,282 yards, 12 touchdowns, and only one interception when blitzed, achieving a passer rating of 114.7, ranking seventh in the league.
His success against the blitz has been even more pronounced than his performance when not blitzed, where he recorded a 93.2 passer rating with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Given Daniels’ effectiveness against the blitz, the Lions face a dilemma about whether to continue with their aggressive blitz strategy or adjust to a more conservative approach. Questions arise about whether Detroit should back off the blitz and focus more on coverage, possibly using a spy to monitor Daniels.
The Lions will also need to consider whether their defensive line can generate enough pressure against the Commanders’ offensive line to disrupt Daniels’ play without compromising coverage. These strategic decisions are central to the discussions in this week’s Midweek Mailbag podcast.