To upset the No. 1 seeded Detroit Lions on the road, the Washington Commanders knew they’d probably have to be perfect. They knew they’d have to pull out every trick from their bag to steal points, possessions, and generally keep the Lions on their toes.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn would get something close to vindication several drives later when he dialed up a brazen passing play on a fourth-down from the Lions’ nine-yard line.

"Washington has been advised that at some point the referee can award a score if this type of behavior happens again." The phrase had Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels—and many others in Philadelphia that day—confused as well.

The Commanders took a major gamble with Jayden Daniels in the lineup on fourth down. But Marcus Mariota ended up getting criticized.

Well, it’s January of 2025. Daniels just led the Commanders to a huge upset win over the Detroit Lions. He just, as my colleague Robert Zeglinski wrote, cemented the greatest rookie QB season in NFL history.

Mariota completed 34 of 44 passes for 364 yards and four touchdowns during the 2024 regular season, then took two rush attempts for one yard in two playoff games. Mariota never made a start but got the majority of playing time in two regular-season games and led the Commanders to victory both times.

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota attempts to flip the ball the fellow quarterback Jayden Daniels, but is tackled by Detroit Lions defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad prior to getting the pass off.

The Washington Commanders have three quarterbacks ready to go for Sunday's NFC championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Johnson, who was fired after one season as Eagles offensive coordinator, has played a significant role in helping prepare Jayden Daniels to succeed as a rookie quarterback.

The Washington Commanders may have gotten a little too cute on fourth down early in Saturday's NFC Divisional Round matchup against the Detroit Lions. The

Daniels is 5-3 against fellow Heisman Trophy winners this season, an impressive record for a rookie who took over a 4-13 team. Here's a look back at the matchups as he faces DeVonta Smith and the Eagles one more time:

When opposing defenders hit rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels so hard that they make him leave his feet, or knock his helmet off, or roll up on his legs, he can’t help but flash a million-dollar smile.