Week 17 ended in favor of the Washington Commanders. They defeated the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday 30-24. This victory confirmed their playoff berth as they became the 11-5 team, clinching the 2nd spot in the NFC East. However, Jayden Daniels expressed his thoughts for his rival QB post-game.

Daniels had a sweet message for his friend and Falcons quarterback, Michael Penix Jr. While speaking to sideline reporter of NBC, Melissa Stark, quarterback Jayden Daniels was asked what message he would like to give his friend from the 2024 NFL Draft, rookie Michael Penix Jr. To which, the winning QB said, “Man, keep going!” Well, it’s definitely a great way to motivate and respect your rivals, and Daniels did it perfectly.

But not only that! Jayden Daniels further decided to praise Michael Penix Jr. He said, “He’s (Penix) going to be a hell of a player,” as Daniels thinks he has incredible talent and potential that will lead him to an outstanding career in the league. In addition, Commanders’s QB’s “It’s nothing but god in this arena. I know he’s a follower, he’s a believer, anything is possible” comment suggests that Daniels believes Penix’s faith in God and his hard work & determination will help him achieve greatness.

In the game, Michael Penix Jr. made 19 of 35 attempts for 223 yards and one touchdown. He was even intercepted once in the first drive, and as a result, Commanders converted it into a 7-0 lead. On the other hand, Jayden Daniels was able to make 24 of 36 attempts for 227 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 INT. Nevertheless, as Washington won, Daniels and Penix hugged each other after the game, as it’s clear, these 24-year-olds respect each other.

But not only Jayden Daniels, even the Falcons’ coach himself, admired the rookie quarterback.

Raheem Morris crowned Michael Penix Jr. as the representative

Falcons’ coach, Raheem Morris, had an interview on the sidelines during the game. It was a tense situation at that time as everyone wondered who would win this close game. Amidst this, Morris was asked about his quarterback, and he said, “He (Michael Penix Jr.) represents us. Represents Atlanta.” This statement from the HC came when the clock had the final few minutes left in the game.

His belief in the quarterback tells everything. With this, the HC also sparked an important thought. And that is, he sees Penix as the future of the team, and not veteran Kirk Cousins, whom he benched for struggling with the second-half issues. So what if they might not make the playoffs after losing their second-to-last game of the regular season? As Jayden Daniels mentioned, Michael Penix Jr. will emerge as a great player in the league in the future. Then, he will truly be a representative in every sense.

Until then, the Falcons have one last game left this season, which they will play against the Panthers on January 5.