Jayden Daniels Shines as Washington Commanders Edge Out Bengals in Thrilling Week 3 Matchup
In an exhilarating Week 3 clash, the Washington Commanders emerged victorious with a 38-33 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The game, held in Cincinnati, was marked by a stellar performance from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who showcased his potential and solidified his place in the NFL.
A Record-Setting Day
Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, put on a record-setting display. Against the Bengals, Daniels completed a remarkable 91% of his passes, going 21 for 23 for 254 yards. This performance not only set a new franchise record for completion percentage but also marked the highest completion percentage by a rookie in NFL history.
Through the first three games, Daniels has demonstrated impressive precision, completing 80% of his passes and rushing for a total of 150 yards. In his first two games, he recorded 410 passing yards without throwing a touchdown or an interception. However, the game against Cincinnati saw Daniels achieve significant milestones as he threw his first two NFL touchdown passes.
Scoring Highlights
The Commanders' offense was firing on all cylinders, scoring on every possession except for kneeldowns. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler set the tone early with touchdowns, providing the Commanders with a strong start. Daniels contributed to the scoring frenzy with a four-yard touchdown run just before the two-minute warning in the first half, exhibiting his dual-threat capability.
Key Connections
A significant moment in the game was Daniels' 27-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin with 2:10 remaining. Despite taking a hit from Bengals' safety Geno Stone while throwing the pass, Daniels delivered a perfect strike to McLaurin. The wide receiver, who had a 55-yard reception earlier in the game, finished with 39 receiving yards on eight receptions in the first two games with Daniels as the quarterback. Daniels’ first NFL touchdown pass was caught by offensive lineman Trent Scott, showcasing the rookie’s versatility in spreading the ball around.
Ground Game Contribution
Besides his impressive passing game, Daniels led the Commanders on the ground, rushing for 39 yards on 12 carries. His mobility and ability to extend plays have added a dynamic element to the Washington offense, keeping defenses on their toes.
Battle of Heisman Trophy Winners
The game also featured a compelling storyline with Daniels facing off against Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Both quarterbacks are alumni of the same college and Heisman Trophy winners, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup. Daniels outplayed Burrow, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.
The Washington Commanders' victory and Daniels' impressive performance have generated significant excitement among fans and analysts alike. As he continues to develop and build on his early success, Jayden Daniels is quickly becoming a player to watch in the NFL.