Jayden Daniels, the Washington Commanders' promising rookie quarterback, showcased his growing potential with a stellar performance in Week 3 of the NFL season. The Commanders secured a 38-33 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in a high-scoring affair played in Cincinnati, marking a pivotal moment in Daniels' fledgling career.
Historic Performance
Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had already demonstrated flashes of brilliance in his first two games, amassing 410 passing yards without throwing a single touchdown or interception. However, it was against the Bengals that he truly announced his arrival as a force to be reckoned with. Completing an astounding 91% of his passes, Daniels set a new franchise record for completion percentage and delivered the highest completion rate ever recorded by a rookie in NFL history.
Daniels went 21-for-23 for 254 yards, throwing his first two NFL touchdown passes and leading the Commanders to score on every possession except for kneeldowns. This remarkable consistency has become a signature of his early career, having already achieved the feat in back-to-back games.
Dual Threat Ability
Daniels' ability isn't confined to his passing precision. Over the first three games of the season, he has completed 80% of his passes and added 150 rushing yards to his stat line, underscoring his dual-threat capability. In the game against the Bengals, he led the Commanders in rushing with 39 yards on 12 carries. His four-yard touchdown run just before the two-minute warning in the first half showcased his agility and athleticism, critical attributes for a modern-day quarterback.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
The Commanders' offense was firing on all cylinders, with notable contributions from Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, who scored early touchdowns. Star receiver Terry McLaurin also played a pivotal role, hauling in a 27-yard touchdown pass from Daniels with just over two minutes remaining in the game. This touchdown marked a significant moment, as Daniels completed the throw despite taking a hit from Bengals' safety Geno Stone.
McLaurin, who had a relatively quiet start to the season with just 39 receiving yards on eight receptions in the first two games, broke out with a 55-yard reception against the Bengals, demonstrating the explosive potential of his connection with Daniels. Also noteworthy was Daniels’ first career touchdown pass to offensive lineman Trent Scott, highlighting the creative play-calling from the Commanders' coaching staff.
Outplaying a Fellow Heisman Winner
Adding an interesting subplot to the game was the matchup between Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow, two Heisman Trophy winners who share the same alma mater. Daniels outplayed his more experienced counterpart, making a statement that the NFL is witnessing the rise of its next star quarterback. The victory over Burrow and the Bengals is a testament to Daniels' competitive spirit and skill level.
Building Momentum
As the Commanders look to build on this momentum, Jayden Daniels' development will be crucial. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his impressive accuracy and mobility, has already set a high bar for rookie quarterbacks. The Commanders' faithful have every reason to be optimistic about the future, with Daniels leading the charge.
In just three weeks, Jayden Daniels has proven that he is more than capable of handling the NFL spotlight. His record-setting performance against the Bengals offers a glimpse of his potential to become one of the league's elite quarterbacks. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Daniels as he continues to write the early chapters of what promises to be an illustrious career.