DETROIT – An unusual scene unfolded at Ford Field on Saturday night.

The NFL’s loudest stadium fell remarkably quiet. Strangely still.

Jayden Daniels was unfazed by the silence.

This was typical for the composed rookie quarterback of the Washington Commanders. He was in the thick of an electrifying second quarter, during which the momentum shifted, resulting in an incredible playoff record of 42 combined points, all while the crowd’s excitement faded.

After leading his team to a 45-31 victory over the Detroit Lions to earn a spot in the NFC title game, he shrugged off the atmosphere.

“The crowd was really into it,” Daniels recalled calmly. “But I didn’t let the noise affect me when I was on the field.”

In essence, the high volume and the dawning realization among Lions fans that their team was in deep trouble didn’t faze him at all.

Daniels completed 299 passing yards and scored two touchdowns. He also rushed for over 50 yards. Meanwhile, Jared Goff, the Lions’ veteran quarterback, looked visibly shaken and lost the ball four times, while Daniels maintained a spotless turnover record.

This is the formula for postseason success. With an impressive passer rating of 122.9, Daniels showcased near-perfect performance. There was a pinpoint 38-yard throw to Dyami Brown that set up a touchdown, a perfectly timed swing pass that Terry McLaurin turned into a 58-yard touchdown, and he converted three critical fourth downs while consistently overcoming the blitz.

All these feats encapsulated what we’ve come to know about Daniels.

This young quarterback is unbelievably calm. While his precise throwing and effortless running are impressive, it’s his poise that truly stands out. Heading into the divisional round, it’s no surprise that he led Washington to five straight victories, always making decisive plays at critical moments. His steady demeanor elevates his entire game.

“Nothing shakes him, whether good or bad,” Austin Ekeler, an experienced running back, told YSL News Sports.

Throughout the season, we’ve seen Daniels, 24, stack one impressive feat on top of another. As the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner and second overall draft pick, he has become a key figure in reviving his franchise and is now a leading candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

And he has carried that momentum into the playoffs, where most would assume the pressure escalates.

Isn’t this when we expect Daniels to buckle under playoff pressure?

Clearly not. He seems oblivious to such expectations. He sees no need to change his game plan.

“Not at all,” he stated confidently. “I just stay the same. The media and others might amplify the significance of these games since it’s win or go home, but I just focus on being consistent.”

This isn’t just talk. When the cameras captured Daniels on the sideline during the game, he appeared typically relaxed. His teammates will tell you that this demeanor has been consistent all season, regardless of the situation. Doug Williams, a franchise legend, has echoed similar sentiments since the beginning of the season.

Daniels possesses that rare ability to remain steady; he doesn’t get overly excited when things are going well, nor does he crumble during challenges. His teammates appreciate this trait, frequently expressing admiration for his steady character.

Does he ever show different emotions?

Ekeler chuckled and noted, “Sometimes, he might crack a joke. But that’s just him. He’s laid-back, just looking to enjoy playing ball with his buddies.”

The Commanders (14-5) are just one win away from the Super Bowl. How wild is that?

It’s as astonishing as a rookie performing like a seasoned veteran in the NFL. The Lions certainly took notice. Coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn praised Daniels’ ability to make smart decisions. Their respect was genuine, evident both in their words and in the results on tape.

Then Daniels went out and proved it once again. The Lions amassed one of the highest blitzing rates in the league, sending extra rushers 34.6% of the time, likely due to several defensive injuries.

Understanding the heavy blitzing they were facing, the Commanders knew their offense would thrive on winning one-on-one matchups – and with Daniels delivering quick throws. As a result, he completed 31 passes without facing a single sack.

“He’s phenomenal,” said Brown, who led the team with six catches for 98 yards. “A true competitor.

“As for him being a rookie? I can’t wait to see him in his prime.”

That sentiment resonates with many. But before Daniels reaches that stage, he has a significant game in the NFC title matchup.

He’s confident about his chances now that he’s made it this far. The stakes do not seem overwhelming for him. And he expresses that confidence with his usual calmness.

Do you believe you can defeat any team, anywhere?

“I have complete faith in my team,” Daniels replied. “We’ll take each game as it comes and focus on our next opponent.”

No, Daniels has no intention of adding to the noise around him.

Follow YSL News Sports’ Jarrett Bell on X @JarrettBell.