Jayden Daniels Shines in Commanders' Victory Over Bengals
The Washington Commanders claimed a thrilling 38-33 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3, thanks to an outstanding performance by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The game, held in Cincinnati, showcased Daniels' prowess as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Daniels, who had already amassed 410 passing yards in his first two games, displayed near-perfect accuracy against the Bengals. Completing 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards, he set a new franchise record for completion percentage at an impressive 91%. This marks the highest completion percentage ever recorded by a rookie in NFL history.
In addition to his passing success, Daniels threw his first two NFL touchdown passes during this game. The first was a rare moment, with offensive lineman Trent Scott catching Daniels' inaugural touchdown pass. The second was a memorable 27-yard touchdown pass to star receiver Terry McLaurin, who also had a standout game with a 55-yard reception.
McLaurin, who had recorded just 39 receiving yards on eight receptions in the first two games with Daniels at quarterback, greatly benefited from the rookie's accurate passing. McLaurin's touchdown catch was a pivotal moment late in the game, sealing the win for the Commanders with just over two minutes remaining on the clock. Daniels showed toughness, taking a hit from Bengals' safety Geno Stone while delivering the crucial throw.
Daniels not only excelled in the air but also demonstrated his versatility on the ground. Leading the Commanders with 39 rushing yards on 12 carries, Daniels added a four-yard touchdown run just before the two-minute warning in the first half. Over the first three games of the season, Daniels has completed 80% of his passes and rushed for a total of 150 yards, establishing himself as a dual-threat quarterback.
Scoring Contributions from Robinson and Ekeler
The Commanders had a well-rounded offensive attack, with Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler contributing early touchdowns. The team's ability to score on every possession, excluding kneeldowns, for the second consecutive game highlights the offensive efficiency under Daniels' leadership.
This game also had a narrative of friendly rivalry, with both Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow being alumni of the same college and former Heisman Trophy winners. Daniels ultimately outplayed Burrow, a fact that undoubtedly adds a layer of satisfaction to his performance.
Looking at the broader picture, the win in Cincinnati was a critical one for the Commanders. It demonstrated their potential to compete with top-tier teams and solidified Daniels' status as a rising star in the NFL. His combination of accuracy, poise, and athleticism is drawing attention as he continues to break records and lead his team to victories.
While it's still early in the season, the Commanders' efficient scoring and Daniels' impressive statistics are promising signs for the franchise. The upcoming games will show whether they can maintain this high level of performance as they aim for bigger accomplishments down the line.