NFL Rookie QB Grades: Jalon Daniels earns A- in stunning win over Cowboys

The winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers went into Dallas on Thursday Night Football with few expecting them to pull off an upset with undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels under center.

Guess what? The rookie answered the call, leading his team to a 24-16 victory.

While the performance was not without flaws, Daniels completed 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions.

He did get help from third-year running back Bucky Irving, who rushed for 165 yards and accounted for two touchdowns, including a 5-yard touchdown pass from Daniels. But the rookie deserves credit for playing under control and making the plays he needed to make.

Should Baker Mayfield be looking over his shoulder?

Not quite, but Daniels certainly gave the Buccaneers something to feel good about after leading the team to its first win of the season.

Jalon Daniels gives Buccaneers a spark in stunning upset

In a complete team effort, Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles was pleased with how his team responded on both sides of the ball to notch its first win, a victory that could provide the spark needed to turn the season around.

"We played good complementary football in all three phases, starting out, and that kind of spurred everything in the first half," Bowles said following the game. "Jalon did an excellent job of taking care of the football and the defense played well."

As Bowles highlighted, Daniels' ability to protect the football was a major factor in the victory. He kept his team in the game early and used his dual-threat ability to make positive plays throughout the night.

What I noted and was impressed by was his escapability in the pocket. There were a few times he looked like he was going down, but he found a way to stay upright, keep his eyes downfield and either scramble for yards or get the ball out.

In just his second NFL start, Daniels showed the kind of growth you want to see from a young quarterback, turning the experience of his first start into a more confident and controlled performance against Dallas.

Given the level of expectations surrounding the former Kansas star, he earns an A- for his game management and ability to protect the football in his first NFL start.

Jalon Daniels' rookie QB grade: A-

What stood out: Mobility, vision and poise

The mobility and vision noted above were among the reasons Daniels was a quarterback prospect to watch entering the NFL Draft. In this game, he showcased his ability to make off-platform plays by moving in the pocket, getting the ball into his playmakers' hands and maintaining his poise under pressure.

Now, credit to the Buccaneers' defense for doing its part in limiting the Cowboys' offense.

By preventing Dallas from building a big lead after opening the game up 7-0, the defense helped Daniels and the offense stay within their game plan. Tampa Bay could continue running the ball without putting too much on the shoulders of the rookie, allowing Daniels to shine in the spotlight of a prime-time game.

“Six months ago, if you would have told me that my first win would have been on a Thursday night, (Amazon) Prime football game, I don’t know what I would have told you,” Daniels said following his TNF performance. “Like I keep saying, through all the highs and lows, the bads, the goods, go through every single emotion because at the end of the day, it makes you better and prepares you for any situation that comes down the line.”

Best throw/play: Daniels connects with Tez Johnson for 64 yards

Down 10-7 in the third quarter, Daniels delivered a beautiful 64-yard connection to wide receiver Tez Johnson.

The long play got the Buccaneers down to the 15-yard line and helped set up an eventual 1-yard touchdown run by Irving to give Tampa Bay the lead.

Known for his intermediate passing, Daniels showcased that part of his game throughout the night, but this particular play showed off his deep-ball touch and accuracy.

It was the type of throw that showed Daniels could do more than just manage the game.

What's next: Could Daniels create a quarterback controversy?

For a rookie to go on the road and play as well as Daniels did in a victory, it has to inject confidence into the entire team that it can compete with him under center.

With Mayfield expected to be out again in Week 6 at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Daniels will have a great chance to help the Buccaneers change the direction of their season.

If Daniels continues to gain confidence, protect the ball and maintain his own health, the team won't feel as pressured to rush Mayfield back.

Who knows? If he leads them on a string of victories and looks solid doing so, Daniels could create a little quarterback controversy in Tampa Bay.

For now, one impressive performance doesn't change the Buccaneers' long-term plans at quarterback, but Daniels has earned another opportunity to prove he belongs.

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