Rookie Sensation Jayden Daniels Stuns Bengals, Sets Records
In a game that will be remembered for years to come, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to a stunning 38-33 upset victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati. The rookie's remarkable performance not only secured a win but also set several records, adding his name to the history books.
Daniels, in just his third career start, completed an astounding 91% of his passes, throwing for 254 yards and two touchdowns. This remarkable completion rate set a new franchise record for the Washington Commanders and marked the highest completion percentage ever achieved by a rookie in NFL history. Alongside his impressive passing stats, Daniels also contributed on the ground, rushing for 39 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries.
Head coach and former NFL linebacker Antonio Pierce must take some pride in Daniels' success, having coached him at Arizona State. "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," remarked Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, reflecting on his team's interest in drafting the young quarterback. The Las Vegas Raiders had made attempts to negotiate a trade with Washington for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft but ultimately, Washington retained their position and selected Daniels.
Daniels' extraordinary performance couldn't have come at a better time, as the Commanders scored on every drive excluding kneel downs for the second consecutive game—a testament to the efficiency of their offensive unit. Such consistency is rarely seen, particularly for a team led by a rookie quarterback still finding his footing in the league.
The NFL is now abuzz with talk of Jayden Daniels, a player who has managed to defy the typical rookie learning curve. Given his performance, it’s no surprise that the Commanders see immense potential in the young quarterback. Daniels has already showcased poise, accuracy, and mobility—traits that make him a dual-threat quarterback and a formidable opponent for any defense.
Onlookers and analysts across the league are keeping a close eye on Daniels' progress, eager to see whether he can maintain this trajectory. As the season unfolds, the Commanders' faith in their young quarterback appears well-placed, and fans are hopeful that he will continue to deliver standout performances.
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders, who had once eyed Daniels as their potential quarterback of the future, have had their own struggles under center. The team added veteran Gardner Minshew to compete with their young quarterback, Aidan O’Connell, but Minshew was benched in favor of O’Connell during a recent loss to the Carolina Panthers. The decision underscores the Raiders' ongoing search for stability at the quarterback position—a quest that might have taken a different turn had they succeeded in drafting Daniels.
As the Commanders celebrate their rookie quarterback's record-setting performance and look forward to more victories, the rest of the league can't help but acknowledge that a new star may be on the rise. Jayden Daniels is proving that he is more than ready for the big stage, and if his early performances are any indication, the Washington Commanders have much to look forward to with this exceptional talent at the helm.