Jayden Daniels took theNFL by storm on Monday night, leading the Washington Commanders to a thrilling 38-33 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The rookie quarterback, making just his third career start, displayed a near-flawless performance, lighting up the Bengals’ defense and showing why Washington may have finally found their future under center. In a game that featured high stakes and big plays, Daniels delivered when it mattered most.
The Commanders came out firing from the opening drive, and Daniels wasted no time asserting his dominance. He orchestrated a near-perfect opening half, leading Washington to touchdowns on four consecutive drives. With a mix of precise passing and well-timed runs, Daniels kept the Bengals’ defense on their heels. By halftime, the Commanders had built a commanding 28-13 lead, with Daniels connecting on 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards,two touchdowns, and an additional rushing score.
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Cincinnati, led by Joe Burrow, tried to claw back in the second half. After struggling to find a rhythm early on, Burrow finally got the Bengals’ offense moving with two touchdown passes to Ja’Marr Chase. The second, a 31-yard strike, pulled the Bengals within five points with just under ten minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. But every time Cincinnati seemed poised to make a comeback, Daniels had an answer.
The rookie’s defining moment came late in the fourth quarter when Washington faced a critical fourth-and-4 situation deep in Bengals territory. Rather than settling for a field goal, the Commanders went for it. Daniels coolly found tight end Zach Ertz for a 9-yard completion, keeping the drive alive. Three plays later, he sealed the victory with a perfect 27-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin, capping off a seven-minute, game-clinching drive.
For the Commanders, Daniels’ poise and playmaking ability have reignited hope in a franchise that has long searched for a consistent quarterback. After cycling through numerous starters in recent years, Washington appears to have struck gold with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft. Daniels’ dual-threat abilities were on full display, as he combined pinpoint passing with timely scrambles, making the Bengals’ defense pay for every mistake.
Bengals’ playoff hopes in jeopardy after 0-3 start, defensive struggles continue
On the other side, the Bengals now face a daunting 0-3 start to the season, far from their preseason expectations of contending for an AFC title. Despite flashes of brilliance from Burrow and Chase, Cincinnati’s inability to finish drives in the red zone continues to haunt them. Three second-quarter drives deep into Commanders territory ended in field goal attempts rather than touchdowns, a pattern that has plagued the Bengals throughout the young season.
Cincinnati’s defense had no answer for Daniels. The rookie quarterback picked apart the Bengals’ secondary, while Washington’s offensive line gave him ample time to make plays. On the ground, Daniels added 39 yards on 12 carries, including a 4-yard touchdown run that extended the Commanders’ early lead. The Bengals, who entered the game as favorites, were left scrambling for answers.
As the Commanders improved to 2-1, all eyes are now on Daniels and his potential to lead Washington deep into the season. His performance against Cincinnati has certainly raised expectations, as fans and analysts alike wonder if this rookie could be the franchise’s long-awaited solution at quarterback. For now, though, Washington can savor a statement victory in what is shaping up to be an exciting season.
For Cincinnati, the path forward is less certain. With an 0-3 record, the Bengals are now in desperate need of a turnaround. Historically, teams that start the season winless through three games face long odds in making the playoffs. Burrow and company will need to regroup quickly if they hope to salvage their season, as the pressure mounts with each passing week.
As the dust settles on this Monday night thriller, one thing is clear: Jayden Daniels has arrived, and the Washington Commanders are suddenly a team to watch in the NFC.
