Jayden Daniels Shines as Commanders Edge Bengals 38-33
In a thrilling matchup held in Cincinnati, Jayden Daniels secured his place as a rising NFL star, leading the Washington Commanders to a 38-33 victory over the Bengals. The rookie quarterback, taken as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, delivered a performance to remember in just his third professional outing.
Daniels Breaks Records and Bengals' Defense
Daniels showcased his prowess on the field with a near-perfect passing game, completing 21 of 23 passes for an impressive 254 yards. He achieved his first NFL touchdown passes as he connected twice in the end zone, setting a new franchise record for completion percentage at 91%. This milestone not only marked the highest completion rate in the Commanders' history but also stood as the most accurate game by a rookie in NFL history.
This latest performance adds to Daniels' growing list of accolades. In his first two games, he amassed 410 passing yards without a touchdown or interception. Against the Bengals, his precision and poise were on full display as he threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to receiver Terry McLaurin with just over two minutes remaining. Significantly, McLaurin had only recorded 39 receiving yards in the first two games with Daniels under center, yet managed a spectacular 55-yard reception earlier in the game.
Multi-talented Playmaker
Not just a passing threat, Daniels demonstrated his dual-threat capability, leading the Commanders with 39 rushing yards on 12 carries. He punctuated a remarkable first-half performance with a four-yard touchdown run just before the two-minute warning. Over the initial three games of the season, Daniels completed 80% of his passes and accrued 150 rushing yards, underscoring his versatility and dynamic playmaking ability.
Commanders’ Team Effort
The victory over the Bengals was a testament to the Commanders' all-around offensive efficiency. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler both found the end zone with early touchdowns, setting a dominant tone for the team. The Commanders scored on every possession, excluding kneeldowns, for the second consecutive game, illustrating their offensive consistency and strategic prowess.
A standout moment came when Daniels threw his first NFL touchdown pass to an unlikely recipient—offensive lineman Trent Scott. The play highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Commanders' offensive game plan and their ability to adapt and innovate under new leadership.
Daniels vs. Burrow: Alumni Showdown
This game also featured an intriguing subplot: the face-off between Jayden Daniels and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Both alumni from the same college and Heisman Trophy winners, the two quarterbacks brought their best to the field. However, it was Daniels who outplayed his more experienced counterpart, solidifying his reputation and showcasing the potential that made him the second overall draft pick.
As Daniels took a hit from Bengals' safety Geno Stone while throwing his touchdown pass to McLaurin, it was clear that the rookie has the toughness and resilience necessary for the NFL's highest level.
Daniels' performance against the Bengals not only marks a significant milestone in his budding career but also signals that the Commanders may have found their quarterback of the future. With his precision passing, dual-threat capabilities, and leadership under pressure, Jayden Daniels is quickly becoming a name to watch in the NFL.