This week, the Washington Commanders headed to Arizona for their Week 5 matchup against the Cardinals, a game packed with a storyline that couldn’t have been written better as quarterback Jayden Daniels returned to his old stomping ground. The Commanders walked away with the win, defeating the Cardinals 42-14, but it wasn’t just the final score that got people talking; it was also Daniels’ way of dealing with the pressure of returning to familiar territory.

After the game, Commander’s head coach Dan Quinn shared his thoughts on Daniels’ performance. ‘Yes, I told him earlier that I was very proud of him. I knew there were some additional stories here at ASU. And like Kliff (Kingsbury, the Commander’s offensive coordinator), you would never have known that. was a history here. He and I sat in the bubble at ASU and talked about how I had coached on a team that had practiced for the Super Bowl here during his time here,” Quinn said. “During the preparation I remained stable.”

Daniels, who played his first three college seasons at ASU before transferring to LSU, had more than just a regular game to focus on. He stepped back to a place where he made a name for himself. Instead of letting the added pressure, nostalgia and attention get to him, Daniels remained calm, cool and collected, showing the calmness and maturity that Quinn admired.

“Him, the quarterbacks and the guys, there were a lot of late nights in the room watching tape together,” the coach continued. “There was only one office down the road from the hotel all week, including last night, and I just put in some extra time. They just stayed around and discussed all the stuff, so I think that speaks to their preparation.”

That preparation showed on the field as Daniels made crucial plays in both the passing and running game, guiding Washington down the field and keeping the offense composed in key moments. Facing an aggressive Cardinals defense, Daniels was able to stay poised and move the chains when it mattered most.

For the Commanders, this match was more than just a victory. It showed Daniels’ growth and resilience, proving he has evolved into the kind of leader who can guide this team on a serious run this season.

Back in Arizona, Daniels showed that he was no longer just the player he was at ASU – he had become the composed, unwavering presence that commanders could rely on. And as Quinn put it best, “I thought he handled it like a real G.”

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