FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons are bracing for Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is turning in a spectacular season after he was selected second overall in the NFL draft.
The Falcons (8-7) will face Daniels and the Commanders (10-5) at 8:20 p.m. Sunday at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, in a game with major playoff implications for both teams. The Falcons have not been to the playoffs since 2017 and the Commanders haven’t since 2020.
Daniels, who played at Arizona State and LSU, has thrown 22 touchdown passes and rushed for eight more touchdowns. He’s fresh off leading the Commanders to a 36-33 victory over the Eagles in the final minute of the game Sunday.
Daniels has the full attention of the Falcons’ defense.
“After a few days of watching the tape, the way that he has extended plays with his legs is impressive,” Falcons safety Justin Simmons said. “The way that he has threatened defenses with the deep ball. He’s had a really impressive season.”
Daniels is the clear favorite for the rookie offensive player-of-the-year award.
“Just in conversations (he’s had with others) he’s having one of the better years of any quarterback in the league,” Simmons said. “I know there are some great ones this year, too.”
The Commanders are averaging 28.8 points per game, which ranks fourth in the league. They are fifth in total offense (373.5 yards per game), third in rushing (152.7) and 16th in passing (220.9).
Using a lot of run-pass-options (RPOs), Daniels is the Commanders’ leading rusher with 737 yards.
“Trust what you see, but at the same time be ready to adjust,” Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett said. “Make plays in space. That’s going to be crucial because they’ve got some good skill (players) that they like to put in position to have success.”
The Falcons struggled against the Vikings, as Sam Darnold was able to run around and launch some deep passes. While being aware of Daniels running ability, the Falcons’ defensive backs must stay with receivers under their “plaster rules.”
“That’s going to be extremely important,” Simmons said. “Everyone knows that’s one of the harder things to do, stay in coverage while a quarterback is scrambling and holding onto the ball. Daniels has done a great job this year. So, the rush and coverage is going to have to be at a premium this week.”
Daniels help to lead the rally against the Eagles when coach Dan Quinn went for it on a fourth-and-11. Daniels broke loose for a 29-yard gain on the play.
“Any scenario, fourth-and-11, third-and-11, second-and-11, if there is an opportunity where he can find the seam and take it, he’s going to do that,” Simmons said. “But he also has a really good deep ball. He reads defenses well. His receiving corps is playing great. They are talented all the way around. We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is Daniels’ top receiver. He has 73 catches for 1,029 yards and 12 touchdowns. Tight end Zach Ertz has 55 catches for 538 yards and four touchdowns.
In the win over the Eagles, Daniels had completions to eight different receivers. Olamide Zaccheaus, the former Falcon (2019-22), had five catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns.
Daniels is slippery in the pocket. He’s been sacked 38 times. The Eagles managed a sack and two quarterback hits.
“Terry is a proven veteran in this league,” Simmons said. “A great player, so he’ll probably lean on him early. Earn the trust from the rest of the guys. He’s making plays left and right. Shout out to his players around him making the plays for him.”
Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy for the 2023 season, has studied the Falcons. He noted outside linebacker Matthew Judon, cornerback A.J. Terrell, safety Jessie Bates III, Jarrett and Simmons as the top players.
“Guys that have been doing it a high level for a long time and making a lot of plays,” Daniels told Washington media members Tuesday. “You (have to) go out there and earn it. You have to be disciplined. You have to be ready to play four quarters.”
The Falcons have been preparing diligently. The brought in athletic quarterback Emory Jones to run the scout team Thursday.
“The week’s been good,” Simmons said. “The guys are locked in. Obviously, it’s holiday season, but we know how important this one is on Sunday night against Washington. The week has been good so far.”
The Falcons know that a lot is at stake. They likely will need to win out to secure the NFC South title. Because the Bucs host the Panthers at 1 p.m. Sunday, the Falcons will know before kickoff if a win will be required to maintain a tie for first place. Also, if the Bucs lose Sunday, the Falcons would clinch the division title with a victory Sunday night.
The Falcons close at home against the Panthers, while the Bucs host the Saints.
“At this point for us, it’s win (and there’s) the possibility of getting us in the playoffs,” Simmons said. “If you lose, the playoffs are probably a long shot away. It’s a must win for us.”
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