On January 27, 2002, the upstart New England Patriots travelled to Pittsburgh as hefty 10-point underdogs to face the Steelers in the AFC Championship game. Nobody gave the Patriots much of a chance - after all, it was Tom Brady's first AFC Championship game and for all intents and purposes, the kid was a rookie - just like Jayden Daniels is this season. Alas, the Steelers never led in the game - never came closer than 4 points. In fact, halfway through the 3rd quarter they trailed 21-3 - before losing, 24-17. Sadly, that game burned a hole so big in my trouser pockets that I had to throw 'em out. But in my defense, at that point in time nobody recognized that Brady would turn out to be pro football's version of Alexander the Great.
So, what does all this have to do with the Washington Redskins (I refuse to acknowledge the name, "Commanders") and Jayden Daniels? Nothing, other than I can't help but see an eerily similar set of circumstances emerging as the underdog Redskins take to the road to take on the mighty, heavily favored Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday afternoon. The young version of Brady always sort of looked like he needed a sandwich (or a gym membership) - just like Daniels looks like he's somewhat malnourished. In 2000-2001, New England finished the season with a record of 5-11. The next season, Brady won the Super Bowl vs. St. Louis as a massive 14-point dog. Last season, Washington finished the season with a mark of 4-13. Now, here he is - Daniels, the lightning rod - the kid - on the doorstep of a Super Bowl appearance as a raw rookie. So, the question is: Can the transcendent young QB, Daniels, pull off a "Tom Brady" here and set the stage for a career that quite possibly could knock Brady off the mantle as the NFL's G.O.A.T.?? Ya' nevahhh knowwww!