Steelers HC Mike Tomlin keeps it real about comparing Jayden Daniels to Lamar Jackson, a 2-time MVP

NFL Draft 2024’s second overall pick, Jayden Daniels, has drawn comparisons to Lamar Jackson since the season’s start.

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin keeps it real about comparing Jayden Daniels to Lamar Jackson, a 2-time MVP

Jayden Daniels (L), Lamar Jackson (R), and Mike Tomlin (Images via Imago)

Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Tomlin gave his two cents on the ongoing Jayden Daniels-Lamar Jackson comparison. The Steelers defeated the Washington Commanders on Sunday to ascend 7-2 atop the AFC North.

In the past weeks, Daniels exploded, leading the Commanders to their first five-game lead since the late 1990s. The rookie’s immediate success led to many individuals comparing Daniels to Jackson.

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Daniels has entered the MVP talks, following a pattern similar to last year’s CJ Stroud ascend. Former player JJ Watts even selected Daniels as his MVP pick over Jackson, Sam Darnold, and many other players with equally good numbers.

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In the post-game interview on Sunday, Tomlin was asked about the duo. Steelers head coach was quick to dismiss any notion that the two are on the same talent level.

Be real slow when comparing people to Lamar Jackson. That’s a multi-time MVP. That’s Mr. Jackson. We’ll see Mr. Jackson in a few days.

Mike Tomlin said

Tomlin made these comments after the team held Jayden Daniels to 17-of-34 passing for 202 yards, just five rushing yards, and no touchdowns. This marked the first game he didn’t score a touchdown since October 20 against the Carolina Panthers, where he exited in the first quarter due to a rib injury. The last full game he played without scoring a touchdown was back in Week 2 against the New York Giants.

Jackson on the other hand rolled off a massive win in Week 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals which saw him shining with four TDs. The reigning MVP has set up a portfolio for a third time at MVP. So far, he has racked up 24 touchdown passes to just two interceptions, amassing 2,669 passing yards.

At this pace, he’s projected to finish the season with an impressive 41 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Over the last four weeks, he’s been on a remarkable streak, throwing 14 touchdowns with zero interceptions.

Amid the outside noise, Jayden Daniels had previously dismissed the comparisons. Daniels shared that, although he appreciates “good quarterback play” and his admiration for the reigning NFL MVP, his priority remains on building his career rather than concerning himself with comparisons to Jackson. Lamar Jackson agreed with Daniels’ statement, stating that everyone wants to build a name for themselves.

Pittsburgh Steelers awaiting division rivals Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson in Week 11

The Steelers are riding a four-game winning streak. Despite benching Justin Fields in the middle of the season, the Steelers are still on top of their game. They have dominated the ongoing season winning three straight victories since veteran quarterback Russell Wilson stepped in as the starter.

Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson (Image via Imago)

The Steelers are facing the Ravens next Sunday in Acrisure Stadium in their first matchup against the AFC North rivals this season. Sitting at 7-2, they look forward to maintaining their top spot contended by the Ravens at 7-3.

In 2023, Pittsburgh swept both matchups against Baltimore, even with Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph starting those games. Jackson only played in the Week 5 contest and missed the Ravens’ regular-season finale against the Steelers. In that 17-10 Pittsburgh win, Jackson was held to 236 passing yards with one interception, along with 45 rushing yards and no touchdowns.

Tomlin’s statements post their win against the Commanders solidify that the teams are wary of Jackson. The Steelers would try to contain Jackson with the recipe from last year.