Jayden Daniels Shines in Commanders' Victory Over Bengals
In his third NFL appearance, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels showcased why he was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders triumphed over the Cincinnati Bengals in a thrilling 38-33 victory, in a game held in Cincinnati.
Through the first two games of his professional career, Daniels accumulated 410 passing yards, though he had yet to throw a touchdown or an interception. However, that changed dramatically in Week 3. Daniels completed an impressive 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards, marking a record-setting 91% completion rate—the highest ever by a rookie in NFL history. His precise performance surpassed the previous franchise record and put an exclamation point on what was a landmark game for the young quarterback.
Daniels' outstanding day included his first two NFL touchdown passes. His inaugural touchdown pass was caught by an unexpected receiver—offensive lineman Trent Scott. Later in the game, Daniels threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Terry McLaurin just before the two-minute warning. This second touchdown came under pressure, with Daniels taking a hit from Bengals' safety Geno Stone as he delivered the throw, demonstrating both his composure and toughness under duress. McLaurin, who had recorded only 39 receiving yards on eight receptions in the first two games with Daniels at quarterback, had a breakout game highlighted by a 55-yard reception.
The Commanders' offense was firing on all cylinders, scoring on every possession except kneeldowns, continuing a pattern from the previous week. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler contributed early touchdowns, further showcasing the team's offensive versatility. Daniels also displayed his dual-threat capabilities by leading the Commanders in rushing with 39 yards on 12 carries. Notably, he scored a four-yard touchdown run just before the halftime two-minute warning, adding another layer to his multi-faceted performance.
Daniels has now completed 80% of his passes through his first three games and rushed for 150 yards, providing a clear indication of his adaptability and athletic prowess. His command of the game against the Bengals, both in the air and on the ground, suggests that he is rapidly becoming the cornerstone of the Commanders' offensive strategy.
The showdown against the Bengals was made even more intriguing by the presence of Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow. Both Daniels and Burrow are alumni of the same college and Heisman Trophy winners, adding a layer of familiarity and competitiveness to their encounter. On this occasion, it was Daniels who outplayed his predecessor, cementing his status as an emerging star in the league.
In conclusion, Jayden Daniels’ record-setting performance against the Bengals was a clear demonstration of his burgeoning talent. His precision passing, ability to handle pressure, and effectiveness as a rusher make him a formidable asset for the Washington Commanders. The team and its fans will be eager to see how this promising rookie continues to develop as the season progresses.