Cincinnati, OH — Under intense pressure from an all-out blitz, Jayden Daniels stood firm in the pocket looked down the field, absorbed a hit from Bengals safety Geno Stone, and delivered a perfectly placed throw to Terry McLaurin in the corner of the end zone. McLaurin made a spectacular catch, securing the ball and keeping both feet in bounds despite the tackle.
In just his third NFL game and first under the bright lights of prime time, Daniels showcased remarkable precision.
The No. 2 overall draft pick threw for two touchdowns and added another on the ground, leading the Washington Commanders to a stunning 38-33 victory over Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night.
“He’s incredibly composed and exudes poise,” said Washington coach Dan Quinn, praising his quarterback’s performance.
Daniels completed 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards, setting a new NFL rookie record with a completion percentage of 91.3%. The Commanders (2-1) scored on every drive except for their kneel-downs at the end of each half, and remarkably, they have not punted or turned the ball over in their last two games.
“That’s unbelievable,” Daniels remarked about the record, noting he couldn’t recall such efficiency at any level of play.
In an unprecedented turn, neither team punted or committed a turnover, marking a first in the Super Bowl era.
Burrow had a strong game as well, throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns, but the Bengals (0-3) struggled to keep pace. This marks Cincinnati’s worst start since their dismal 2019 season, where they lost their first 11 games.
Daniels scored his first career touchdown with a 1-yard pass to eligible tackle Trent Scott to kick off the second half, the second consecutive game where the Bengals allowed a touchdown to a lineman.
“They were out of sorts on defense,” Daniels commented. “We caught them off guard.”
With the Commanders holding a 31-26 lead, Daniels sealed the game with a 27-yard touchdown pass to McLaurin with just 2:10 left on the clock.
“I’ve put in the work,” said Daniels, last year’s Heisman Trophy winner from LSU. “What’s done in the dark will always come to light. I prepare for these moments every week, and I just have to go out there and execute.”
In the first half, Washington showcased a balanced attack with rushing touchdowns from Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, and Daniels himself.
McLaurin was a standout with four catches for 100 yards.
The Bengals struggled offensively, failing to reach the end zone on three first-half drives. Evan McPherson managed two field goals but missed another.
Washington maintained control, not having a drive that fell short of the end zone until early in the fourth quarter, when Austin Seibert kicked a 42-yard field goal to push the score to 31-20.
Cincinnati closed the gap with Burrow’s second touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase, but a failed two-point conversion kept them from tying the game.
Daniels then orchestrated a methodical drive that consumed over seven minutes, culminating in the touchdown to McLaurin, which had a mere 10.3% completion probability, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
Cincinnati managed a late 1-yard touchdown run by Zack Moss to narrow the score to 38-33 with 40 seconds remaining, but McPherson’s onside kick attempt failed.
Chase led the Bengals with six receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns, with Andrei Iosivas also finding the end zone.
“I knew they would be a tough team to face,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “They scored on every possession last week and did so again this week. They were ready and controlled the tempo of the game.”
Reflecting on his prime-time debut, Daniels expressed his desire to compete at a high level. “I’m grateful to go out there every week and do what many can’t,” he said. “It’s about competing and executing, regardless of the day.”
Up Next:
Commanders: Away at Arizona on Sunday.
Bengals: At Carolina on Sunday.
