Jayden Daniels’ poise paces Commanders — and could haunt the Bears for years
In the midst of the 2025 NFL season, one player has emerged as an unexpected catalyst for his team’s resurgence: Jayden Daniels, the rookie quarterback for the Washington Commanders. A name not many predicted would be on the minds of Chicago Bears fans, Daniels’ calm demeanor, mature decision-making, and undeniable skill set have already set him up to potentially become a problem for the Bears — and every other team in the NFC.
When Daniels entered the NFL, his journey wasn’t met with the same fanfare as some of the other top quarterbacks in his class. A product of LSU, he was seen as a project, a player who had the physical gifts but would need time to adjust to the speed of the NFL. However, the early returns on Daniels have been nothing short of spectacular. From his opening games, it’s been evident that his learning curve is much steeper than anticipated.
What sets Daniels apart is his poise. While most rookie quarterbacks tend to crumble under the pressure of NFL defenses, Daniels has looked calm, collected, and even confident, displaying maturity that belies his age. He has shown an uncanny ability to read defenses and make quick decisions, a critical trait in today’s fast-paced game. His impressive pocket awareness allows him to sidestep rushers with ease, and his accuracy as a passer is growing by the week.
The Commanders’ offense, often known for its inconsistency in recent years, has seen a drastic transformation under Daniels’ leadership. The offense now operates with a fluidity and confidence that was previously absent. Wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs alike have benefitted from Daniels’ ability to spread the ball around and exploit mismatches. While he is still adjusting to the nuances of the NFL game, his leadership has provided a stabilizing force for Washington.
Now, as the Commanders continue to build momentum, there’s a very real sense that they are a team on the rise — and this spells trouble for the Bears. Chicago, who has had its own struggles at quarterback in recent years, now faces the challenge of trying to slow down a player who could be the cornerstone of Washington’s offense for years to come. The Bears’ defense, despite its talent, has often been caught off guard by mobile quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs. Daniels fits that mold perfectly. While not known primarily for his running ability, he has the athleticism to make defenses pay when they fail to contain him in the pocket. His dual-threat nature gives him an advantage over more traditional passers, allowing him to make plays both through the air and on the ground.
Furthermore, Daniels’ rise signals a shift in the NFC East. The division, which has often been dominated by the likes of the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, could soon see Washington emerge as a serious contender, with Daniels at the helm. If the Bears are unable to get their quarterback situation settled, facing an up-and-coming, poised Daniels twice a season could become a major headache for Chicago.
Looking ahead, the rivalry between the Commanders and Bears could very well take on new life in the coming years. What’s most concerning for the Bears is the fact that Daniels has all the tools to become a perennial Pro Bowl quarterback. If his development continues on its current trajectory, he could haunt the Bears for the next decade, leading Washington into the postseason while Chicago struggles to find stability under center.
In the NFL, quarterback play is everything, and Daniels’ early success proves that the Commanders may have found their franchise quarterback. For the Bears, the thought of facing Daniels for years to come should be a frightening one. The poise he’s displayed so far is only a glimpse of what’s to come, and if the Bears don’t address their own quarterback situation soon, Jayden Daniels might just become the quarterback they wish they never had to face.
