Jayden Daniels Leads Commanders to Stunning Upset Over Bengals
In a game where few expected the underdog to prevail, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels showcased why he is being hailed as one of the most promising talents in recent NFL history. Leading the Washington Commanders to a 38-33 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on their home turf, Daniels shattered records and silenced critics with a stellar performance that left fans and analysts alike in awe.
From the first drive, it was evident that Daniels was bringing his A-game to Cincinnati. Completing an unprecedented 91% of his passes, he threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns, setting a new franchise record for completion rate. This remarkable feat also earned Daniels the distinction of having the highest completion percentage ever by a rookie quarterback in the NFL.
But Daniels didn't just excel in the air; his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback was on full display. He rushed for 39 yards and added another touchdown on 12 carries, contributing significantly to the Commanders' impressive offensive performance. It wasn’t just a one-man show, though. The entire Commanders' offensive unit clicked, managing to score on every drive excluding kneel downs for the second consecutive game.
Daniels' performance is all the more impressive considering this was only his third career start. His rapid adaptation to the professional level has defied the typical rookie learning curve, drawing the attention of the entire league. The Washington Commanders certainly see immense potential in Daniels, and their faith is being repaid with results on the field.
The narrative around Daniels’ ascent started long before he donned the Commanders' jersey. Notably, the Las Vegas Raiders had shown considerable interest in drafting him. They even attempted to negotiate a trade with Washington for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, Washington held their ground and secured Daniels, a decision that now appears to be a masterstroke. "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, reflecting the sentiment of what could have been for Las Vegas.
Interestingly, Daniels' connection to the Raiders isn't solely about missed draft opportunities. Antonio Pierce, now a coach with the Commanders, once coached Daniels at Arizona State. This prior relationship undoubtedly played a role in Daniels’ seamless transition to the NFL, providing him with a familiar figure to guide him through the early stages of his professional career.
While the Raiders’ plans didn’t materialize, they did manage to add veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew to their roster to compete with their young quarterback, Aidan O'Connell. Minshew's stint, however, saw turbulence, resulting in him being benched in favor of O'Connell during a loss to the Carolina Panthers. This quarterback shuffle only magnifies the significance of Washington’s decision to stick with Daniels.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Jayden Daniels. His early performances are not just promising; they are rewriting the expectations for rookie quarterbacks. With the Commanders' offensive unit operating efficiently and the league paying close attention, Daniels' journey is one that fans and analysts will continue to follow closely.
For now, the Washington Commanders and their fans can relish in the triumph of their young quarterback, whose remarkable rise seems far from finished.