Landover, Md. — Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels remained calm under pressure as the Washington Commanders overcame a 14-point deficit early and a 13-point fourth-quarter gap to secure a dramatic 36-33 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The win snapped the Eagles’ 10-game winning streak and denied them the chance to clinch the NFC East title.
“I always believe we can win, no matter the situation,” Daniels said. “The game’s never over until the clock hits zero.”
With 1:58 remaining, Daniels orchestrated a game-winning drive capped by a touchdown pass to Jamison Crowder with just six seconds left. This marked Daniels’ fifth touchdown pass of the day, solidifying his performance as one of the best by a Washington quarterback in recent history.
Historic Day for Daniels
Daniels became the first Washington quarterback since Mark Rypien in 1991 to throw five touchdown passes in a game. Rypien, who led Washington to its most recent Super Bowl victory that year, was in attendance to witness the rookie’s heroics.
Despite two interceptions, including one late in the game, Daniels rallied the Commanders for a 57-yard drive against Philadelphia’s top-ranked defense. The win moved Washington to 10-5, putting them on the brink of a playoff berth, while the Eagles dropped to 12-3, losing for the first time since September 29.
Daniels completed 24 of 39 passes for 258 yards and five touchdowns, connecting with Crowder, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Terry McLaurin. He also led the team in rushing with 81 yards on nine carries, becoming the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw five touchdowns and rush for 65 or more yards in a single game.
“It doesn’t get much tougher than this,” said McLaurin, who surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the fifth straight season. “But when the game’s on the line, Jayden made the plays we needed.”
Eagles Struggle Without Hurts
Philadelphia’s struggles began when star quarterback Jalen Hurts exited early in the game with a concussion after a hard hit by Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu. Hurts had already shown signs of trouble following a hit on his previous run, and he was ruled out after undergoing a sideline evaluation.
Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett stepped in but couldn’t replicate Hurts’ production. Pickett went 14 of 24 for 143 yards, throwing a touchdown to A.J. Brown and an interception to Luvu. The Eagles’ offense stagnated, and standout performances like Saquon Barkley’s 109 rushing yards and two first-quarter touchdowns were overshadowed by the team’s second-half struggles.
“We didn’t do enough,” Barkley said. “We left plays out there, and I include myself in that.”
Commanders Overcome Early Mistakes
Washington overcame a series of missteps, including three fumbles—two by Brian Robinson Jr. and one by Dyami Brown—and multiple pass interference penalties on cornerback Marshon Lattimore. The defense also adjusted to limit Barkley to just 41 yards after his explosive first quarter.
“Once Hurts went out, we knew they’d rely on Barkley,” linebacker Bobby Wagner said. “He’s an incredible player, so it was all about containing him.”
Eagles’ Playoff Questions
The Eagles’ late-game execution faltered, with DeVonta Smith dropping a crucial pass that would have extended a drive. Instead, they settled for a second field goal by Jake Elliott, leaving the door open for Washington’s comeback. Smith took responsibility for the mistake, acknowledging its impact on the outcome.
With two games left in the regular season, Philadelphia now faces uncertainty surrounding Hurts’ availability as they aim for a deep playoff run.
Looking Ahead
For the Commanders, Daniels’ breakout performance solidified his status as a rising star and gave Washington fans hope for the postseason. “You live for these moments,” Daniels said. “Big-time games, when everything is on the line—that’s what it’s all about.”
