Jayden Daniels Shines in Commanders’ Upset Victory Over Bengals
In what can only be described as a stellar performance, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to a 38-33 upset victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Playing in front of the Bengals' home crowd, Daniels showcased an extraordinary level of poise and skill far beyond what is typically expected from a rookie in the NFL.
Daniels completed an astounding 91% of his passes, setting a new franchise record for completion rate and achieving the highest completion percentage ever by a rookie in NFL history. The young quarterback threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating not only accuracy but also an ability to make big plays under pressure. He also contributed on the ground, rushing for 39 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries.
“He’s a special player. We were hoping that maybe all the teams didn’t think so and he could slip down to the Raiders a little while ago,” said Davante Adams, highlighting just how highly regarded Daniels is around the league.
In just his third career start, Daniels' performance has quickly put him on the radar as a player to watch. The Commanders scored on every drive excluding kneel downs for the second consecutive game, a testament to both Daniels' capabilities and the efficiency of Washington's offensive unit.
The Las Vegas Raiders showed significant interest in drafting Daniels and even attempted to negotiate a trade with Washington for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Washington, however, retained their position and wisely selected Daniels. The Raiders eventually added veteran Gardner Minshew to compete with their young quarterback, Aidan O’Connell. Unfortunately for Minshew, he was benched in favor of O’Connell during a loss to the Carolina Panthers, further exemplifying the turmoil and uncertainty in the Raiders' quarterback room.
Daniels, on the other hand, has defied the typical rookie learning curve with his remarkable performances. In leading his team to victory against a formidable Bengals squad, he has helped the Commanders carve out a narrative of resurgence and offensive prowess. The league's eyes are firmly fixed on Daniels as he continues to break records and exceed expectations.
Interestingly, Daniels shares a mentor-student relationship with Antonio Pierce, who once coached him at Arizona State. This prior experience has likely contributed to the instant impact Daniels has made in the NFL. The Commanders' coaching staff and front office see Jayden Daniels as not just a promising player, but a transformative talent with immense potential.
As the season progresses, the Commanders will look to build on this momentum. Daniels’ impressive start has not only invigorated the team but also injected a new level of excitement and anticipation among the Commanders’ fan base. With each game, Daniels continues to rewrite the narrative and set a new standard for what a rookie quarterback can achieve in the NFL.