Jayden Daniels Shines in Commanders' Upset Victory Over Bengals
On a memorable Sunday in Cincinnati, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered a stunning performance, leading the Washington Commanders to a 38-33 upset victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Daniels' exceptional outing not only garnered headlines but also set new benchmarks both for his franchise and the NFL at large.
In just his third career start, Daniels showcased a level of poise and precision rarely seen from a rookie. Completing an astounding 91% of his passes, Daniels threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns. His performance shattered the previous franchise record for completion rate and marked the highest completion percentage ever achieved by a rookie in NFL history. Additionally, Daniels exhibited his versatility by rushing for 39 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
The Commanders' offensive strategy was nearly flawless, scoring on every drive except for kneel downs—an impressive feat they managed for the second consecutive game. This offensive efficiency, led by Daniels, is turning heads around the league.
Daniels' trajectory is all the more remarkable considering his journey to the NFL. The Las Vegas Raiders had their eyes on him during the draft, desperately trying to negotiate a trade with Washington for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Ultimately, Washington held their ground and selected Daniels, a decision that appears prophetic in hindsight.
Antonio Pierce, who once coached Daniels at Arizona State, must take pride in seeing his former player rocket to success. Pierce, alongside many in the football community, knew that Daniels had the makings of a standout player. "He's a special player," said Raiders' wide receiver Davante Adams. "We were hoping that maybe all the teams didn't think so and he could slip down to the Raiders a little while ago."
The Raiders, meanwhile, faced their own quarterback dilemmas. After failing to land Daniels, they opted to add veteran Gardner Minshew to compete with their young quarterback, Aidan O'Connell. However, this plan hit a snag when Minshew was benched in favor of O'Connell during a loss to the Carolina Panthers, indicating ongoing uncertainty at the quarterback position for Las Vegas.
The Commanders, on the other hand, see immense potential in Daniels. In a league where rookie quarterbacks often struggle to adapt to the faster, more complex professional game, Daniels has defied the typical learning curve. His dazzling performance against the Bengals firmly places him on the radar of both fans and analysts alike.
The Commanders' faith in Daniels is clearly paying off. As the young quarterback continues to develop, the team’s offensive unit appears more synchronized and efficient with each passing week. The league is watching closely, eager to see how far this rising star can go.
As Washington cements its decision to draft Daniels with each game, it becomes increasingly clear: they have found a promising talent who could shape their future. With his remarkable start, Jayden Daniels is not just surviving in the NFL—he’s thriving, and he's doing it on his terms.