Everything special about Jayden Daniels manifested for the first time in the NFL over 5.3 seconds on the night of Sept. 23. It was his third game; he was on the road against a supposed heavyweight; he was dueling a superstar whose heavy shadow he had not been able to escape for the previous two years.

The rookie QB has made an impression on some of the team's most respected players of the past and restored hope to a starved franchise.

Detroit made a huge statement in Week 18 with their beatdown of the Minnesota Vikings, but the Commanders have something the Vikings don’t; a mobile quarterback in the form of Jayden Daniels. The Lions have struggled with stopping mobile quarterbacks this season. This could very well carry over into the postseason.

Blough started five games for the Lions from 2019 to 2021 and then was on their practice squad last season before transitioning to coaching.

Jayden Daniels has had a spectacular rookie season in which he led the Washington Commanders to the franchise's first playoff appearance since 2020. Daniels came away with a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round last week,

Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn isn't only watching all-22 film to prepare for Saturday's playoff game against Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Four Free Press sports writers have some thoughts on the Detroit Lions' NFL playoffs 2025 opener vs the Washington Commanders.

When the Washington Commanders had to have it — fourth down, trailing in the fourth quarter of a playoff game — Jayden Daniels found Terry McLaurin in the end zone for a touchdown. That moment marked the pinnacle of the rapport between the dynamic rookie quarterback and dependable sixth-year wide receiver that has been developing since offseason workouts.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrates with running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) after Gibbs scored a touchdown during the first half as the Lions face off against the Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 5, 2024 at Ford Field. Jake May | [email protected]

The Washington Commanders will face the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs at Ford Field on Saturday, January 18th. WATCH: Commanders vs

The winner will advance to the NFC championship game next week against the winner of tomorrow’s Eagles/Rams game.