Jayden Daniels Fires Back at Critics: ‘I’m Not Here to Prove Them Wrong, I’m Here to Prove Myself Right’
Jayden Daniels is ready to silence the doubters once and for all. As a rising star in the NFL, the young quarterback has faced his fair share of criticism, but instead of letting it fuel his insecurities, he’s embracing it with a confident, self-assured attitude.
In a bold statement that has caught the attention of both fans and analysts alike, Daniels declared, “I know the critics are out there, but I’m not here to prove them wrong—I’m here to prove myself right. My game speaks for itself, and I’ll keep letting it do the talking.”
The Washington Commanders’ quarterback has been making waves since joining the NFL, and while some have questioned his ability to lead a team at the highest level, Daniels remains unfazed. Known for his dynamic dual-threat capabilities and his poise under pressure, Daniels has shown that he is more than capable of handling the spotlight, even when the critics try to bring him down.
But it’s not just about proving his critics wrong—it’s about proving to himself that he has what it takes to succeed at the next level. For Daniels, it’s a personal journey, one where he is constantly striving to improve and evolve as both a player and a leader. His response to criticism is simple: let the game speak for itself.
This mindset has been key to Daniels’ development as a quarterback. It’s clear that he isn’t just focused on the noise around him, but rather on his own growth and the work he needs to put in to reach his full potential. And as he continues to progress, it’s becoming more and more apparent that Daniels has the tools to become one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league.
The Commanders have already seen glimpses of his talent. His ability to read defenses, make accurate throws on the run, and create plays with his legs has made him a dangerous weapon on the field. With each game, Daniels is proving that he belongs among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, and he’s not waiting for anyone’s approval to do so.
Critics may continue to doubt him, but Daniels is on a mission to prove that he is not only capable of meeting expectations but exceeding them. He’s not interested in playing for validation from outsiders; his focus is on his own growth, on making sure that his performance reflects the hard work he’s put in.
As Daniels continues to make his mark in the league, it’s clear that he’s ready to handle whatever challenges come his way. Whether he’s facing down defenders or doubters, he’s prepared to let his game do all the talking.
Cowboys Add 6-Foot-4, 307-Pound Lineman Ahead of Raiders Showdown
The Dallas Cowboys, losers of two in a row and three of their last four, have a golden opportunity to right the ship coming out of their bye week when they take on one of the most disappointing teams of 2025, the 2-7 Las Vegas Raiders, in a Monday Night Football matchup.
But the Cowboys are taking no chances, at least with their offensive line depth, after losing a practice squad lineman on Tuesday when former Washington Commanders third round draft pick Geron Christian was given a shot at an active roster spot as the Denver Broncos swooped in and signed him away.
With the 6-foot-5, 302-pound offensive tackle now departed, the Cowboys wasted no time in replacing him with another massive lineman who plays the same tackle position. On Wednesday, Dallas signed 6-foot-4, 307-pound lineman Marcellus Johnson to their practice squad, according to the team’s transaction report.
Cowboys OL Has Held its Own
The Cowboys’ offensive line has not been at the root of the team’s problems, but at 3-5-1 and hopes of returning to the postseason after missing out last year rapidly dwindling, Dallas cannot afford to spring any new leaks. Quarterback Dak Prescott has benefited from the third-lowest sack percentage in the NFL (4.2), going down behind the line of scrimmage just 15 times in nine games, the seventh-lowest total in the league.
Though his offensive line has largely managed to protect him from sacks, Prescott has nonetheless found himself under pressure more than he, or the Cowboys, would like. His average time-to-throw of 2.6 seconds ranks him only 19th in the NFL, among quarterbacks who have taken at least 100 snaps this season.
Yet to Play in an NFL Game
It would probably take a series of injuries to allow Johnson to take his turn on the active roster protecting Prescott. The difference between the 2024 undrafted free agent and his predecessor Christian is pronounced.
Where Christian has appeared in 63 NFL games, starting 25 for six different teams over seven seasons, Johnson has yet to be on the field for a single snap in game that counts. Since signing a $2.85 million, three-year contract with the New York Giants in 2024 — a contract that was terminated almost immediately in favor of a $225,000 practice squad deal — Johnson has bounced around between the practice squads of the Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts for two seasons.
Compared to College Teammate
When the Giants signed Johnson initially, they guaranteed $170,000 of his contract, the most they gave any UDFA in their 2024 class.
The Colts released Johnson from their practice squad on October 14, and he remained without a football home for almost a month before the Cowboys signed him on Wednesday.
At the time of the 2024 draft, one NFL insider said that he had rated Johnson as “a legitimate NFL player,” and graded him “almost as high” as his former Eastern Michigan teammate, Sidy Sow.
Sow, a 6-foot-5, 318-pound offensive lineman was drafted in 2023, in the third round, by the New England Patriots. The Patriots released Sow in August, and the 27-year-old lineman was subsequently signed to the Houston Texans‘ practice squad. The Texans elevated Sow to their active roster on November 8.
