Jayden Daniels Shines in Commanders' Victory Over Bengals
In a thrilling Week 3 matchup, the Washington Commanders secured a 38-33 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in a game held at Cincinnati's Paycor Stadium. This win not only highlights the team's emerging dominance but also underscores the rise of their new star quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
Daniels, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has had a noteworthy start to his professional career. Over his first two games, he amassed 410 passing yards without throwing a single touchdown or interception. However, the contest against the Bengals marked a turning point for the rookie quarterback. Daniels completed an impressive 21 of 23 passes, totaling 254 yards, and threw his first two NFL touchdown passes.
His remarkable performance broke records and set new standards. Daniels completed an astounding 91% of his passes, setting a new franchise record for the highest completion percentage in a game. Additionally, this was the highest completion percentage ever recorded by a rookie in NFL history. Through the first three games of his rookie season, Daniels has completed 80% of his passes and rushed for 150 yards, a promising start for the Commanders' young leader.
The Commanders' offensive unit was firing on all cylinders, as they scored on every possession, excluding kneeldowns, for the second consecutive game. Daniels was an instrumental part of this success, not only through the air but on the ground as well. He led the team in rushing with 39 yards on 12 carries, including a crucial four-yard touchdown run just before the two-minute warning in the first half.
Supporting Daniels' efforts were key contributions from running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, who each scored early touchdowns for the Commanders. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin also played a significant role, hauling in a 27-yard touchdown pass from Daniels with just over two minutes remaining in the game. This came after McLaurin recorded a 55-yard reception, a significant uptick from his 39 receiving yards on eight receptions in the first two games with Daniels at the helm.
Daniels' first NFL touchdown pass has a unique story as well—it was caught by offensive lineman Trent Scott, an unexpected but memorable highlight. The touchdown connection between Daniels and McLaurin was particularly notable, as Daniels took a hit from the Bengals' safety Geno Stone while making the throw, showcasing his resilience and determination.
In what's becoming an emerging narrative, Daniels outplayed Cincinnati's quarterback Joe Burrow, who is also an alumnus of the same college and a fellow Heisman Trophy winner. This game served as a testament to Daniels' potential and capability to perform under pressure at the highest level of the sport.
In summary, Jayden Daniels' outstanding display against the Bengals has invigorated the Washington Commanders' fan base and provided a glimpse of his potential as a franchise quarterback. With a record-setting performance and the team's current trajectory, it's clear that the Commanders have a promising future with Daniels leading the charge.