Actions speak louder than words, and if you went to bed after “Monday Night Football” with your ears ringing, you can thank Jayden Daniels.
In a dazzling prime-time debut, the rookie quarterback for the Washington Commanders delivered an electrifying performance on the road. Daniels outshone fellow LSU Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow with an almost flawless display, showcasing his ability to evade Cincinnati Bengals pass rushers and execute crucial plays under pressure. In just his third game, the 23-year-old set a rookie record with a single-game completion percentage of 91.3%. He led Washington to scores on all six of its drives, excluding kneeldowns, while maintaining a perfect turnover ratio.
Among the highlights were jaw-dropping passes, including a 55-yard bomb in the second quarter and a precise 27-yard throw deep into the end zone for Washington’s final points. Terry McLaurin, the receiver on the latter, couldn’t contain his excitement. “Both throws were dimes,” he exclaimed.
Teammates, including McLaurin, who have endured years of quarterback instability and organizational challenges, were elated after the Commanders secured a 38-33 victory, improving their record to a surprising 2-1. It wasn’t just the stats—Daniels completed 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for a 4-yard score. He even made history by throwing his first career touchdown pass to offensive lineman Trent Scott.
The poise and skill Daniels demonstrated were remarkable, especially when the Bengals closed the gap with Ja’Marr Chase’s second touchdown. Under pressure, he orchestrated a 12-play, 70-yard drive, converting a crucial fourth-and-4 pass to tight end Zach Ertz.
Despite their previous lack of chemistry, Daniels and McLaurin connected impressively during the game, including a remarkable play that NFL’s Next Gen Stats deemed the most improbable completion of the season.
Washington fans have witnessed little to celebrate in recent years, with a drought that dates back to their 1991 Super Bowl win. Legendary quarterback Joe Theismann encouraged excitement about the team and its new signal-caller. “He’s special,” said defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
In McLaurin’s six seasons, Daniels was the sixth starting quarterback. However, after this impressive outing, the rookie’s performance sparked optimism among teammates. “Hey, that kid has poise. I think he grew up tonight,” McLaurin remarked. “He’s been doing a great job in camp making those throws, but to come out here and do it when you’ve got to have it with the game on the line—that’s what great players are about.”
The Bengals, now 0-3, likely had some harsh words for themselves after the game. While both teams moved the ball effectively, Cincinnati struggled with field goal attempts—kicker Evan McPherson missed one—while Washington’s offense, described as a “college offense” by Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, couldn’t be stopped.
“I thought their quarterback played great,” acknowledged Bengals coach Zac Taylor. “He was a difficult challenge. Obviously, it wasn’t enough for us today.”
Amid the praise, Daniels remained composed. “It’s great,” he said of the win. “Not just for me, but the whole team.” After a critical fourth-down conversion that resulted in a 1-yard touchdown pass, he appreciated the “faith in me to go out there and make a play in a critical moment.”
Scott, nervous about the spotlight, caught the touchdown pass that extended Washington’s lead to 28-13 in the third quarter. Whether he or Daniels keeps the ball is still up for debate, but Coach Dan Quinn suggested he would find a way to reward Scott.
Overall, Daniels and the offense executed effectively, with minimal mistakes. He credited his offensive line for their protection as running backs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. found the end zone. Although Ekeler left with a concussion, the victory overshadowed the team’s defensive struggles.
“Winning means a team effort in all three phases, and we certainly did that,” Quinn stated, though postgame discussions primarily centered around Daniels’ exceptional performance. “He’s a really cool customer, and he’s got great poise about him,” Quinn said.
Daniels didn’t indulge in self-praise during his postgame interview. He recognized that, while his success might come as a surprise, it is a result of hard work. “What’s done in the dark will always come to light,” he remarked. When asked what he wanted to show the NFL, he confidently stated, “I’m a competitor. I want to compete at the highest level. It’s a blessing to be able to go out there each and every game to do things that a lot of people in the world can’t do.”
His humility and confidence resonate with fans and teammates alike. After this electrifying performance, it’s clear that Jayden Daniels is a rising star, and his actions spoke volumes.
