Rookie QBs Daniels, Penix square off as Commanders face Falcons with playoff stakes

Two first-round rookie quarterbacks will face off in prime time for the first time in NFL history on Sunday night as Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders host the Atlanta Falcons and new starter Michael Penix Jr.

The unprecedented showdown is just the latest bit of history-making for Daniels as he and the Commanders try to wrap up a playoff spot with two weeks remaining in the regular season.

But, despite a chorus of players emphasizing that Sunday’s matchup is just another game, the NFL landscape would beg to differ. A win would grant the 10-5 Commanders their first playoff berth since the 2020 season, potentially allowing them to rest their starters in the Week 18 game against the Cowboys.

The 8-7 Falcons come in with the same stakes. A win, paired with a loss by the 8-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, would usher Atlanta into the playoffs as the leaders of a turbulent NFC South.

The NFL powers that be recognized the importance of the matchup, which will feature Penix’s second career start, flexing it into prime time for a national audience.

“You still prepare the same way. It is just another game at the end of the day,” Daniels said Tuesday, noting the implications for both squads. “So, you gotta go out there and earn it.”

Even Daniels couldn’t ignore the rich storylines for the game. The Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite said he’s looking forward to playing against Penix — the two developed a friendship after being named Heisman Trophy finalists in 2023. That bond only grew during this year’s draft process.

“I’m happy for him; he waited his time,” Daniels said. “He’s a phenomenal player in my eyes.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn shared the same assessment. Penix’s box score didn’t catch too many eyeballs, but those who watched the rookie’s performance closely saw the arm talent that inspired Atlanta to take the former Washington Husky with the No. 8 pick in the draft.

Quinn highlighted Penix’s arm strength and quick decision-making, but Daniels couldn’t help but focus on his fellow rookie’s off-field qualities.

“He’s just cool. A cool individual. One of the guys. Really down to earth, humble, super funny, but for him and I think it kind of went viral last year, but he really likes to rap,” Washington’s quarterback said with a smile. “He freestyles off the top of his head.”

Daniels has taken the league by storm, throwing for 3,303 yards and 22 touchdowns as a passer with an additional 737 yards and six scores on the ground. His dual-threat abilities have carried Washington to its best 15-game start since the 1991 Super Bowl campaign.

“I expected nothing less,” Penix said. “Just being able to train with him, he’s a smart player; he knows how to play the game. It’s good to be able to see that, and for me to be out there and be able to make some plays as well. I’m super excited for it, and I’m ready to get it going.”

Atlanta’s rookie was unshaken in his debut, but Washington’s veteran defenders present a stiffer challenge than the 2-13 Giants.

“We’re going to keep it a phone booth for him,” linebacker Frankie Luvu said. “He definitely got an arm, so just trying to keep it very busy for him in the front and do our job. Don’t do anything extra, and hopefully, he makes another mistake.”

Applying pressure appeared to be a focus for Luvu and the defensive front as they prepared for a playoff-like atmosphere at Northwest Stadium on Sunday.

When his offensive line kept him clean during his debut, Penix completed 19 of 24 passes for 216 yards and a spectacular 94.8 offensive grade, according to the analysts at Pro Football Focus. But he completed just two of eight attempts for 24 yards and a mediocre 42.7 grade when pressured.

“A rookie quarterback, you [want to] bring a lot of pressure and whatnot — except if you’re playing Jayden Daniels; that’s a different story,” Luvu said. “We’re going to scheme it up and bring what we’ve got to bring on Sunday.”