An astonishing rookie season for Jayden Daniels, one marked by memorable moments and a historical postseason win, has reached another milestone.
The Washington Commanders quarterback surpassed the Indianapolis Colts’ Andrew Luck for the most offensive yards by a rookie, including playoffs, in NFL history during Saturday’s Divisional Round game against the Detroit Lions.
Entering the game, Daniels needed 190 yards to pass Luck (4,952; 2012), and he got it in the second quarter on a 58-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin, which earned Washington a 17-14 lead following the extra point.
The achievement comes six days after Daniels led the Commanders to a wild-card win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the franchise’s first postseason triumph since the 2005 season. He also became the first Washington rookie QB since Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh to lead the franchise to a playoff victory, a feat Baugh accomplished in 1937.
For the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite, it’s the latest in a phenomenal first year in which he’s used his arm, legs and poise beyond his years to turn around a long-beleaguered franchise.
Daniels finished the regular season with 3,568 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, just nine interceptions, a rookie QB record 891 rushing yards and six rushing TDs.
He’s kept up the production in the playoffs at a record-breaking pace.
