Rookie Jayden Daniels Shines as Commanders Defeat Bengals on Monday Night Football
CINCINNATI – As Washington’s backup safety and special teamer Jeremy Reaves left the lively visitor's locker room, headphones on, he pointed at quarterback Jayden Daniels, summing him up with just two words.
“He’s different,” Reaves said.
Defensive tackle Jon Allen was even more emphatic.
“He’s the answer,” Allen declared.
No one in that locker room would disagree, especially after a night where Daniels completed 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns, leading Washington to a thrilling 38-33 win over the Bengals on "Monday Night Football." His defining moment came when he fired a 27-yard touchdown pass to receiver Terry McLaurin under heavy pressure, securing the victory.
“I think he grew up tonight,” McLaurin said. “I’m so excited for him because now, as a rookie, once you make those throws, your confidence skyrockets. And I think his confidence is through the roof right now.”
Washington, now 2-1, has won two straight games and scored on 14 consecutive drives that didn’t end in a kneel-down. Daniels has been the spark, completing 80.3% of his passes across three games for 662 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. His poise has drawn high praise.
“He’s continuing to grow on the job,” said Washington coach Dan Quinn.
In Week 2, Daniels led a game-winning drive, and on Monday night, he capped off his performance with a clutch touchdown pass. His teammates, who have been impressed since spring practices, have only seen their belief in him grow.
“The only word I can use is hope,” said guard Sam Cosmi when asked about Daniels. “I believe. We believe.”
Daniels didn’t flinch when the play clock was running down, calmly signaling for the play to come in. His cool demeanor resonated with the team.
“It’s shocking how composed he is, but at the same time, it’s not,” said guard Nick Allegretti. “In those moments, he doesn’t panic. He just gets us together, calls a play, and executes.”
Daniels converted three critical fourth downs—two with his arm and one with his legs. On a fourth-and-2, he connected with rookie receiver Luke McCaffrey for 30 yards, setting up Washington’s first touchdown. Later, he ran for a first down on fourth-and-1, leading to a field goal. His biggest conversion came on a fourth-and-4, hitting tight end Zach Ertz for 9 yards to extend the drive.
“It’s a blessing that the coaching staff trusts me in those big moments,” Daniels said. “But that’s a testament to the entire offense.”
His crowning moment came just three plays later. Facing an all-out blitz, Daniels delivered a perfect 45-yard pass, under duress, that landed in McLaurin’s hands for a 27-yard touchdown.
“I wanted the ball on that play,” McLaurin said. “Jayden made a great throw under pressure. Those are big-time throws for a rookie.”
However, Daniels might have some competition for his first touchdown ball. Backup tackle Trent Scott caught a 1-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, and he’s not ready to give it up.
“I would want to split the ball in half,” Scott joked. “I was just nervous, thinking, ‘Don’t drop it.’”
For his teammates, Daniels’ performance wasn’t surprising. Allen said it’s what they see “every day in practice.” But for Daniels, it’s still a bit surreal.
“Yes, it’s new to me,” Daniels admitted. “But I know if I keep putting in the work, what’s done in the dark will come to light.”
0 Comments