In what turned out to be a historic performance, Jayden Daniels showcased why he was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, leading the Washington Commanders to a thrilling 38-33 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3. Held in Cincinnati, this game not only cemented Daniels' status as a budding superstar but also saw several records shattered along the way.
Impressive Debut Performance
Daniels entered the game with impressive but touchdown-free stats from his first two games, boasting 410 passing yards with no interceptions. Against the Bengals, he added another stellar chapter to his young career by completing an astounding 91% of his passes, connecting on 21 of 23 attempts for 254 yards. More importantly, he threw his first two NFL touchdown passes.
Daniels' pinpoint accuracy set a new franchise record for completion percentage and marked the highest completion percentage ever recorded by a rookie in NFL history. The Commanders' offense was virtually unstoppable, scoring on every possession except for kneeldowns, marking the second consecutive game they achieved this feat.
Breaking Down the Game
The Commanders started strong with early touchdowns from Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, establishing a tone of dominance. Jayden Daniels displayed remarkable poise and precision, leading his team efficiently down the field.
One of the game's most memorable moments came just before the two-minute warning in the first half when Daniels executed a four-yard touchdown run, showcasing not only his passing ability but also his mobility. This was part of a versatile performance that saw him leading the Commanders in rushing with 39 yards on 12 carries.
Daniels to McLaurin: A Dynamic Duo
As the game wore on, Daniels continued to impress with his deep-ball accuracy. With only 2:10 remaining on the clock, he connected with Terry McLaurin on a stunning 27-yard touchdown pass. This scoring play wasn't without drama; Daniels took a hit from Bengals' safety Geno Stone while delivering the pass, illustrating his toughness and resilience.
McLaurin was a prolific target throughout the game, notching a 55-yard reception and reinforcing his chemistry with Daniels. Remarkably, in the first two games with Daniels as quarterback, McLaurin had recorded only 39 receiving yards on eight receptions, making this breakout performance even more significant.
Historical Comparisons
Daniels' first NFL touchdown pass, an unusual highlight, was caught by offensive lineman Trent Scott. This creative play-calling further demonstrated the Commanders' innovative approach and willingness to utilize all their players in critical moments.
Interestingly, both Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow, the Bengals' star quarterback, share a common heritage as alumni of the same college and as Heisman Trophy winners. On this day, though, it was Daniels who outplayed Burrow, adding another layer of intrigue to what could be a long-standing rivalry.
Season Outlook
With Daniels spearheading the attack, the Commanders appear to be on an upward trajectory. In his first three games, Daniels completed 80% of his passes and rushed for 150 yards, displaying a level of dual-threat capability that signals he is more than ready for the pro stage.
The Commanders' coaching staff and fanbase alike have every reason to be optimistic. If Jayden Daniels continues to play at this level, Washington will not only win games but will do so in a manner that redefines the franchise’s future.
As the season progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on Daniels, watching to see if he can sustain this unparalleled level of performance. Given his trajectory so far, the NFL might just have witnessed the emergence of its next big star.