In the original Star Wars film, A New Hope (1977), the iconic confrontation between Darth Vader and his former mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, marked the beginning of a series of clashes. This rivalry continued in Revenge of the Sith (2005) and later in the Obi-Wan Kenobi streaming series on Disney+ (2022).
Similarly, Washington Commanders’ rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, might aspire to a comparable rivalry in his career. He anticipates facing off against Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, in the future.
A TikTok video released by EA Sports’ Madden NFL account, reposted on X, captures Daniels expressing his eagerness to compete against Jackson. “I want to play against Lamar Jackson,” Daniels stated emphatically. “For sure. Lamar Jackson. That’s going to be a big one.”
Daniels will have the opportunity to realize this aspiration in 2024 when the Commanders face the Ravens on the road as part of their regular-season schedule.
The parallels between Daniels and Jackson are evident. Both quarterbacks achieved Heisman Trophy wins—Daniels in 2023 and Jackson in 2016—demonstrating prowess as dual-threat quarterbacks who excelled in passing and rushing yards during their Heisman-winning seasons.
Jackson’s journey in the NFL, including his record-breaking rushing yards and MVP accolades, possibly paved the way for Daniels’ high draft selection. While Jackson faced challenges in the 2018 NFL draft, eventually becoming a pivotal player for the Ravens, Daniels was snapped up by the Commanders as the second overall pick in 2024.
In the upcoming season, the Commanders seek to elevate their franchise, aiming for respectability after a decade of struggle and a prolonged playoff drought. In contrast, the Ravens emerge as contenders for the Super Bowl in 2024, following their close loss in the AFC Championship Game in 2023.
Despite setbacks, Jackson remains optimistic about the Ravens’ future, expressing determination to improve and strive for success in the upcoming season.
Tony Adame, a seasoned sports writer and editor since 2004, specializes in NFL coverage for Heavy.com. His expertise spans various teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders, and Cincinnati Bengals. His work has been featured in prominent sports platforms such as Stadium Talk, Yardbarker, NW Florida Daily News, and Pensacola News Journal.
