NFL Drops Punishment Hammer on Jayden Daniels’ Commanders as Dan Quinn Fires 3-Word Warning Before NFC Title Clash

The Washington Commanders will face their first NFC Championship test since 1991, with everyone’s eye on rookie sensation Jayden Daniels and his meteoric rise. The team was 12-5 through the regular season and won an exhilarating 45-31 shootout over the Detroit Lions in the divisional playoffs to give the doubters a run for their money. But under the explosive offensive performance and standout plays, the team landed themselves a fine for DE Dorance Armstrong’s foul in the previous round. What was it all about?

As per NFL Gameday Accountability, the league has fined Armstrong $11,255 for unnecessary roughness (facemask) vs WR Rachaad White. The Commanders player grabbed White in the third quarter during the Wild Card game against the Bucs. The league, never one to condone this kind of behavior, quickly took action against the altercation.

The foul resulted in a 15-yard penalty during the game, but the league also went ahead and fined Armstrong.

While Armstrong’s fine was not the most expensive, it was on the higher end being the sixth highest handed by the league in the Wild Card week. As per Rule 12 Section 2 Article 8: “For unnecessary roughness: Loss of 15 yards. The player may be disqualified if the action is judged by the official(s) to be flagrant. If the foul is by the defense, it is also an automatic first down.”

The defensive lineman is surely making some noise with 20 solo tackles and 19 assists in the 2024 season. The former Dallas Cowboys star has been a significant influence in the Commanders making it to the post-season in his first year in Washington. He made key contributions in the win over the Lions too, registering the only two sacks in the game. Regardless, Armstrong has surely been one of the valuable additions to rebooting the Commanders’ culture, but that same enthusiasm has an angry side too.

Fines aside, Dan Quinn’s team is also reaping the rewards: a deep playoff run, which leads to the NFC Championship. But while the team is celebrating, their head coach is chasing a storm.

Dan Quinn’s Triple-A Warning…

Before Dan Quinn has the chance to confront his critics and talk about the franchise’s future, he has already issued a three-word warning to anyone who doubts his crew’s spirit:

“Anybody. Anywhere. Anytime.” That’s what the head coach and his team feel about the NFC Championship game.

Since joining the Washington Commanders as head coach in February 2024—the 31st head coach in franchise history—Quinn has turned the Commanders around. The HC led the team to one of their best times in his first season. And his coaching is the reason rookie QB Jayden Daniels could make an impact in his first season with the league.

The Commanders will face the winner of the Divisional Round game between the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles. There is a lot at stake as Washington’s postseason journey is now headed to the NFC Championship Game set for Sunday, January 26, 2025. Both the Eagles and Rams would be decent opponents. But, for now, the Commanders are on top of the world as they’re pumped to break through the noise and hope to win their first NFC Championship since 1991.

It’s not only the men on the field; it’s the old-school rivalries that have characterized the Commanders’ playoff bid. Washington has played the Rams and Eagles many times in the past and it’s only gotten bigger. The history only adds fuel to the fire, but the Commanders are ready to prove they are Destiny’s crew.

The last time the Rams played against the Commanders, they defeated them 28-20 in December 2023, with Matthew Stafford throwing two touchdown passes. The Eagles have also outscored them in recent games, winning 26-18 in November 2024. However, the Commanders defeated the Eagles 36-33 in December.

Washington is riding a wave of confidence and momentum that could drown out all the noise and rewrite history. What do you think?