Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has pinpointed an important aspect in Jayden Daniels’ recreation. The Washington Commanders quarterback’s composed demeanor and pure pleasure for soccer stay fixed, whilst playoff strain mounts.
Glenn, who directs the NFL’s second-most aggressive blitzing protection (34.6%), should resolve the Daniels puzzle in Saturday’s divisional spherical showdown. The Lions’ protection faces a Commanders offense that ranks seventh in complete yards (369.6) and fifth in scoring (28.5 factors per recreation).
Throughout his press convention on Thursday, Glenn analyzed the Commanders’ signal-caller forward of their primetime battle at Ford Area.
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“His demeanor and the way calm he’s, it pops out, all around the TV copy, if you watch the TV copy,” Glenn mentioned (08:10). “One other factor that pops out is he is having enjoyable enjoying this recreation, which all of us ought to. However you’ll be able to inform he is having enjoyable, and there is no higher solution to play this recreation however if you’re having enjoyable. Clearly, the profitable has rather a lot to do with that.”
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This psychological fortitude has translated into outstanding effectivity. Washington ranks second within the NFL in scoring drive share (50%) and shattered league information with their 87% success price on fourth-down conversions.
Excessive-stakes chess match looms: Goff vs Jayden Daniels
The Lions’ defensive technique beneath Aaron Glenn may check Jayden Daniels’ composure. Detroit’s protection leads the NFL in third-down stops, permitting only a 32.4% conversion price. They’ve additionally stifled fourth-down makes an attempt, rating second by permitting solely 41.4% success.
Washington’s success typically hinges on important downs. Commanders coach Dan Quinn demonstrated this boldness of their playoff opener towards Tampa Bay. The workforce had been 3 of 5 in fourth-down makes an attempt, together with a pivotal fourth-and-2 landing that secured their victory.
“We had been going to be daring however not reckless,” Quinn mentioned after Sunday’s win. “And I believe that is who we’re the entire season. However if you do get stopped early, you simply have to remain the course.”
This matchup options contrasting strengths. Detroit’s protection excels towards the run (98.4 yards allowed per recreation, fifth-best), whereas Washington boasts the third-ranked speeding assault (154.1 yards per recreation). The Lions wrestle towards the move (244 yards allowed, thirtieth), probably creating alternatives for Daniels.
Each groups mirror one another’s aggressive philosophy. Lions coach Dan Campbell has led the NFL in fourth-down makes an attempt since 2021. His boldness confirmed towards Inexperienced Bay this season when he went for fourth-and-1 late in a tie recreation as an alternative of kicking the sphere purpose.
The winner would possibly emerge from this battle of wills — Glenn’s pressure-heavy protection towards Daniels’ unflappable demeanor.
Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez