When comparing Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson and Washington Commanders' rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, one thing is crystal clear: both are game-changers. While many might get caught up in the differences in their play styles or throwing mechanics, that’s missing the bigger picture. The common denominator between these two quarterbacks? They make things happen when it matters most. Both have the kind of playmaking ability that gives their teams a fighting chance, no matter the circumstances.
Now, let's break it down. Lamar Jackson, already an established force in the NFL, is known for his freakish athleticism. His ability to extend plays, improvise, and use his legs to either avoid defenders or make huge gains is a nightmare for opposing defenses. His arm? Well, it's good but not always in the "elite" category. But that hasn’t stopped him from turning heads and racking up wins. On the other side of the field, you've got Jayden Daniels. He's just a rookie, but man, does he already look like the full package.
The Ravens, with Jackson at the helm, are already deep into their journey toward a championship. Jackson, in his seventh season, has led them to big moments, though they fell short against Kansas City in last year’s AFC Championship game. The sense of urgency in Baltimore is high—they know they have a real shot this year. They just need Jackson to keep doing what he’s been doing, and Sunday’s game was another reminder of what he’s capable of.
In front of a roaring crowd of 71,316 at M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens secured a 30-23 win over the Commanders. The game went pretty much as expected. Washington's offense lacked complexity, and their defense? Let’s just say it left much to be desired. The Ravens converted 6 out of 10 third-down attempts, a clear sign that the Commanders couldn’t hold the line when it counted.
Despite the loss, there’s a buzz around Jayden Daniels in Washington, and it’s easy to see why. The rookie from LSU had an impressive performance, completing 24 of 35 passes for 269 yards, tossing two touchdowns, and finishing with a passer rating of 110.3. Those are the kind of numbers that breathe life into a franchise that's been stuck in the NFL basement for what feels like decades. For Commanders fans, Daniels represents hope—hope that brighter days are ahead.
What makes Daniels particularly exciting is that he's just scratching the surface. Unlike Jackson, who is surrounded by a stronger supporting cast, Daniels is working with limited weapons on offense. Washington’s big offensive star, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, is really the only top-tier option they have right now. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. missed Sunday’s game due to a knee injury, further thinning Washington's offensive arsenal. And yet, Daniels still delivered.
One of the most jaw-dropping plays from Daniels came late in the game. With 12:12 left on the clock, he fired a 6-yard touchdown pass to McLaurin, despite Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens being all over him. It was a moment that felt like watching Tom Brady or Peyton Manning in their prime—just absolutely precise and fearless. That kind of clutch throw proves this kid can handle pressure and can deliver when it counts.
Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith summed it up perfectly, saying, “Washington is in good hands with [Jayden Daniels]. I think the guy is … He’s the truth, for sure. He can run it, he can throw it—whatever you want. For him to come into a hostile environment and perform the way he did, I’ve got much respect for him. He took some licks, too.” Smith wasn’t the only one who was impressed. The entire Ravens team had to acknowledge the kind of talent Washington has in their rookie quarterback.
On the flip side, Lamar Jackson’s growth this season has been noticeable, too. He’s long been known for his dual-threat capabilities, but this year, we’re seeing a more mature and composed passer. Teams used to stack the box, daring Jackson to beat them with his arm, and while that strategy worked in the past, it’s not as effective anymore. Just last week, the Bengals tried that approach, and Jackson torched them for 346 yards and four touchdowns in an overtime thriller. Cincinnati had no answer.
Sunday’s game was no different. The Commanders tried the same thing—loading up the line to stop Jackson’s running game—but Jackson picked them apart. He completed 20 of 26 passes for 323 yards and a touchdown. What’s exciting about this development is how it changes the outlook for the Ravens’ postseason chances. If Jackson can continue to win with his arm, the Ravens become a much scarier opponent.
And let’s not forget about the weapons around Jackson. Baltimore has quietly assembled one of the most well-rounded groups of skill players in the league. Zay Flowers in the slot, tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, and receiver Rashod Bateman provide Jackson with a multitude of options. Add in Derrick Henry, the 6-foot-3, 247-pound bruising running back, and you’ve got a dangerous offense that can hurt you in multiple ways. Henry, in particular, is a fourth-quarter closer, the kind of guy who can wear down defenses late in games.
For Jackson, having these tools means he doesn’t always have to rely on his legs to make plays, which is huge as we head into the playoffs. He can focus on being a more traditional passer when needed, while still having the ability to break a game wide open with his feet. It’s that combination that makes him one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch.
While Daniels isn’t quite in that position yet, he’s well on his way. Washington’s offense, at least for now, is pretty vanilla. They’ve got some pieces, but it’s clear that they’re still a year or two away from really being able to compete at a high level. That said, the foundation is there, and Daniels’ arm is a big part of it. His arm strength is stronger than Jackson’s, which is saying something. Whether it was tight-window throws or pinpoint accuracy on out patterns, Daniels proved he can make every throw on the field.
With all that said, what we’re really seeing is the evolution of the quarterback position in the NFL. It’s no longer just about having a cannon arm or blazing speed—it’s about being a complete playmaker. Whether you’re slinging it like Brett Favre or running it like Michael Vick, you’ve got to have that “it” factor. Both Jackson and Daniels have it, and their futures, along with their respective teams, look incredibly bright because of it.
As Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said after the game, “With all the quarterback and the run game stuff, they felt like they had to stack the box. They know how to stop that stuff, and for Lamar to put those passes where he did, and for the guys to make those plays, was the difference in the game.”
At the end of the day, football is about making plays, and whether it’s Jackson or Daniels, both are proving they can do just that. The NFL has always been a quarterback-driven league, and in 2024, the future looks pretty electric with these two under center.
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