Lions Star Reveals Gameplan Facing Commanders QB Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is facing a ruthless Detroit Lions defense in the Divisional Round.

Jeremy Brener | Jan 18, 2025

Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws during the second quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions are going through the motions for the hours leading up to their game in the Divisional Round at Ford Field.

The Lions are the favorites going into the contest after winning the bye in the NFC, but they know they will have to bring their A-game if they want to beat the Commanders, who are led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Lions defensive back Brian Branch explained some of what his team will try to do to contain Daniels.

"You got to shrink the pocket," Branch said via NFL.com writer Kevin Patra. "Jayden Daniels, I played him in college. He's an exceptional quarterback. He kind of reminds me of Lamar (Jackson). Just how he moves and stuff, but to me that's really the game plan. Just, you know, shrinking the pocket on him and make him make those throws."

Daniels know he'll face some new looks from the Lions defense, but if he is able to withstand the pressure like he has throughout the season, the Commanders will have a shot to shock the football world with the upset.

The Commanders and Lions are scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

More Washington Commanders News

• Commanders LB Bobby Wagner Sent Buccaneers Defender Home With a Message

• Analyst Predicts Commanders Upset vs. Lions

• Biggest Question Facing the Commanders Ahead of Divisional Round

• Commanders Preparing for Lions OC Ben Johnson Who Will 'Test Your Discipline'

Published Jan 18, 2025

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.