Jayden Daniels burst onto the big stage Monday night with a breathtaking performance as the Washington Commanders secured a surprise 38-32 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals were hoping for their first win of the season on home soil after losses to the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs, but rookie quarterback Daniels had other plans.
On a night in which he outscored opposite Joe Burrow, the 23-year-old completed 21 of 23 for 254 yards and threw for two touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown and set a rookie record for completion percentage at 91.3 percent in a remarkable coming-of-age performance just three games into his NFL career.
The highlight came just before time as the Commanders looked to secure their surprise victory, with Daniels helping them by hitting Terry McLaurin with a sensational 27-yard touchdown pass.
Jayden Daniels put himself on the big stage with a breathtaking display as the Washington Commanders secured a surprise 38-32 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow was outscored by his rival quarterback, dropping the Bengals to 0-3 for the season
Despite being overshadowed by his younger rival, Burrow still enjoyed a satisfying night at the office on an individual level, throwing for three touchdowns for 324 yards.
Ultimately, the quarterback was let down by Cincinnati’s weak defense, which failed to stop a goal in four quarters at Paul Brown Stadium.
The Commanders (now 2-1) have scored on every possession except for knee benders at the end of each half. They have not kicked or given the ball away in their last two games.
Neither Washington nor Cincinnati threw the ball away or gave it away, the first time in the Super Bowl era that has happened.
Cincinnati is off to its worst start since losing its first 11 games in 2019, ultimately finishing 2-14.
Daniels’ first career touchdown pass was a one-yard toss to eligible tackle Trent Scott to start the second half, the second straight game in which the Bengals allowed a TD to a lineman. Later, Daniels stayed in the pocket, got a hit, and hit McLaurin from 27 yards out with 2:10 left for the go-ahead score.
On a night where he outgained his opponent Joe Burrow, Daniels completed 21 of 23 for 254 yards and threw for two touchdowns
The 23-year-old rookie put on a coming-of-age performance just three games into his NFL career
Burrow enjoyed a satisfying evening individually, but was let down by Cincinnati’s defense
In the first half, Washington got rushing touchdowns from Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler and Daniels. McLaurin had four receptions for 100 yards.
The Bengals failed to reach the end zone in the first half, with Evan McPherson scoring twice and missing another.
Meanwhile, Washington didn’t have a drive that reached the end zone until early in the fourth quarter, when Austin Siebert connected on a 42-yard field goal to make it 31-20.
Cincinnati cut the gap to 31-26 on Burrows’ second touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase, but the 2-point conversion failed.
Daniels then led a drive that lasted 7 1/2 minutes and ended with the TD pass to McLaurin.
Cincinnati scored on a 1-yard run by Zack Moss to cut the deficit to 38-33 with 40 seconds left, but McPherson’s onside kick was unsuccessful.