Jayden Daniels Shines as Washington Commanders Edge Cincinnati Bengals 38-33
Jayden Daniels put on a spectacular performance in Week 3, leading the Washington Commanders to a thrilling 38-33 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati. The dynamic rookie quarterback, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, dazzled both with his arm and legs, showcasing the talent that made him one of the most highly anticipated prospects of his class.
Record-Breaking Performance
Daniels' performance was nothing short of historic. Completing 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards, he recorded a sensational 91% completion rate, setting a new franchise record for completion percentage. This performance also etched Daniels' name into the NFL history books as he achieved the highest completion percentage by a rookie in league history.
The young signal-caller's precision and poise were on full display as he threw for his first two NFL touchdown passes in the game, both moments that will live long in the memory of Commanders fans. Daniels finished the game with an impressive effort, connecting on nearly all of his passes and leading a balanced offensive attack.
A First to Remember
Daniels' first career touchdown pass was a notable highlight, caught by none other than offensive lineman Trent Scott. The unlikely receiver hauled in the pass, marking a memorable start to Daniels’ touchdown tally. Later in the game, Daniels fired a 27-yard touchdown strike to Terry McLaurin with just over two minutes remaining, further sealing the Commanders' dominant day on offense. McLaurin was instrumental throughout, pulling in a 55-yard reception and finishing the game with key catches that helped sustain drives.
Not only did Daniels excel in the air, but he also contributed significantly on the ground. Leading the team with 39 rushing yards on 12 carries, Daniels added a four-yard touchdown run just before the end of the first half, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities.
Commanders’ Offensive Mastery
Daniels wasn't the only weapon in the Commanders' offensive arsenal. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler each scored early touchdowns, setting the tone for what would become a high-scoring affair. Impressively, the Commanders scored on every possession, excluding kneeldowns, for the second consecutive game, a testament to their efficiency and effective game planning.
In his first two games, Daniels accumulated 410 passing yards without recording a touchdown or interception. However, Week 3 proved to be a breakthrough as he notched his first two touchdown passes and continued to manage the game impeccably, further solidifying his role as the team's leader despite his rookie status.
A Duel with a Heisman Peer
Adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup was the showdown between Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow, both alumni of the same college and Heisman Trophy winners. While Burrow has already cemented his status as an elite quarterback in the NFL, it was Daniels who emerged victorious in their first professional encounter. Daniels' performance overshadowed Burrow's efforts, signaling the emergence of a new rivalry that will be fascinating to watch unfold in the coming years.
Legacy in the Making
With this record-setting performance now under his belt, Jayden Daniels has firmly cemented his place in Commanders lore and set a high bar for his future games. After completing 80% of his passes and rushing for 150 yards through the first three games, it’s clear that Daniels brings a unique and potent blend of skills to the field, one that could reshape the fortunes of the Washington franchise.
As the season progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Jayden Daniels. His journey from a highly-touted college star to an NFL rookie setting records promises to be one of the most compelling stories of the year. Fans and analysts alike will eagerly await his next exploits, but for now, Week 3 belongs to Daniels and the Washington Commanders—a game that will be remembered as the stage where a star was truly born.