Washington Commanders quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis never envisioned he’d make his NFL debut so soon. But when the Commanders lost starting quarterback Jayden Daniels to a dislocated elbow two weeks ago, Kaliakmanis was only one play away from seeing the field.
Instead of signing a veteran as Marcus Mariota's backup, the Commanders made it clear they were happy with their current quarterback room. In Washington’s first win of the season over Seattle last week, Kaliakmanis served as Mariota’s primary backup.
On Sunday, on the final play of Washington’s second drive in the first quarter, Mariota was sacked. At the time, it was difficult to tell if it was his ankle or his knee. Regardless, it didn’t look good. At halftime, head coach Dan Quinn said
Mariota was done for the day and that he was “gutted” for the veteran quarterback.
As for Kaliakmanis, things didn’t start out great. The Colts blitzed him. The Commanders struggled to move the ball, and things felt hopeless. Yet, on the sideline, Kaliakmanis’ teammates were seen going to him, encouraging him and more. In the third quarter, their faith in him paid off. Kaliakmanis unleashed a bomb down the left sideline, right into the waiting arms of wide receiver Treylon Burks for a 47-yard touchdown. Suddenly, it was a four-point game.
One of the teammates who celebrated with Kaliakmanis was Daniels. The rookie was elated to have Daniels in his corner.
He explained his interaction with Daniels after the game.
“I think Jayden Daniels is the ultimate leader, just coaching me throughout the game,” Kaliakmanis said. “That’s what a true pro looks like in my eyes. I get up here, and I tell you guys all the time I’m so thankful for him, and that’s the truth. He is a true professional; so is Sam [Hartman], and so is Marcus. Prayers for Marcus too. These guys are my legit brothers, man.”
Kaliakmanis said he was thankful for Daniels.
“We talk — just for Jayden to do what he does, he’s coaching me, giving me hints and stuff like that about the game and what the defense might be doing and play call recommendations; he’s just a true professional. I couldn’t be more thankful for a guy like that."
Daniels is expected back soon, most likely next week against the New York Giants. Depending on how long Mariota is out, Kaliakmanis will now serve as Daniels' backup.
Kaliakmanis learned a valuable lesson Sunday: you are only one play away.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders rookie QB Athan Kaliakmanis explains how Jayden Daniels helped him
