Jayden Daniels Shines as Commanders Edge Bengals in Thrilling 38-33 Victory
In a thrilling Week 3 showdown, the Washington Commanders emerged victorious with a 38-33 win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium, thanks in large part to a stellar performance by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Drafted as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Daniels not only showcased his passing prowess but also exhibited exceptional command on the field.
After a solid start to his NFL career with 410 passing yards but no touchdowns or interceptions in his first two games, Daniels exploded onto the scene against the Bengals. Completing 21 of 23 passes for an impressive 254 yards, Daniels threw his first two NFL touchdown passes, contributing significantly to the Commanders' victory. The game saw Daniels achieving a monumental 91% completion rate, setting a new franchise record for completion percentage and posting the highest completion rate by a rookie in NFL history.
The Commanders were unstoppable on offense, scoring on every possession except for kneeldowns for the second consecutive game. Daniels, not content with only his aerial assault, also led his team in rushing with 39 yards on 12 carries, including a crucial four-yard touchdown run just before halftime. His dual-threat ability exhibited his versatility and resilience against a formidable Bengals defense.
Early in the game, Washington's experienced running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler helped set the tone with early touchdowns. However, it was Daniels’ chemistry with wide receiver Terry McLaurin that truly stood out. McLaurin, who had only 39 receiving yards on eight receptions in the first two games, broke free for a significant 55-yard reception against the Bengals. With just over two minutes remaining, Daniels delivered a 27-yard touchdown pass to McLaurin, even as he took a hard hit from Bengals' safety Geno Stone. The connection between the rookie quarterback and the seasoned receiver was pivotal in sealing the Commanders' win.
Adding to the narrative, Daniels’ first NFL touchdown pass was a memorable one, caught by offensive lineman Trent Scott. The unusual play reflected both the creativity of the Commanders' offense and Daniels' ability to adapt and create under pressure.
Both alumni of the same college and Heisman Trophy winners, Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow brought an additional layer of intrigue to the game. Daniels ultimately outplayed Burrow, a seasoned NFL star, adding a chapter to what could evolve into a storied professional rivalry.
Through his first three games, Daniels has shown a remarkable combination of poise and athleticism, completing 80% of his passes while also rushing for 150 yards. His performance on Sunday not only underscored his potential but also suggested he may soon become the face of the Commanders franchise.
As the Commanders look ahead, Jayden Daniels has already begun to make his mark. His record-breaking efficiency, combined with his dynamic playmaking ability, has provided Washington fans with hope and excitement for the future. It's clear that Daniels is rapidly transitioning from a promising prospect to a critical player in the NFL, and his trajectory so far hints at even greater achievements to come.
With his first significant NFL win now under his belt, Jayden Daniels' journey is one to watch closely as the season progresses. If his performance against the Bengals is any indication, the Commanders and their new star quarterback are poised for a season full of promise and potential.