In a standout performance on Monday Night Football, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to a thrilling 38-33 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, marking a potential turning point for a franchise long in need of excitement.
The Commanders, who last celebrated a Super Bowl victory in January 1992, have often been overshadowed in recent years. However, Daniels, the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and reigning Heisman Trophy winner from LSU, showcased his talent by completing 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns, including a rushing score. He also led the team in rushing with 39 yards.
Despite an uneven start to the season, with a close win over the New York Giants and a blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Daniels’s performance offers a glimmer of hope. Prior to the draft, there were debates about whether Daniels or North Carolina’s Drake Maye should be selected second overall. Commanders general manager Adam Peters opted for Daniels, who had an impressive collegiate season, throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns while rushing for 1,134 yards.
Against the Bengals, Daniels demonstrated his ability to extend plays and keep his composure under pressure. A standout moment came on a crucial third down, when he evaded an all-out blitz to deliver a perfect 27-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin, solidifying his status as a rising star.
While there are still challenges ahead, as seen with former rookie phenom Robert Griffin III, the Commanders appear to be on a promising trajectory. Daniels is already drawing comparisons to past Commanders greats, and with a new ownership under Josh Harris and a revamped roster featuring veterans like Bobby Wagner and Nick Allegretti, the franchise seems to be aligning for success.
Through three games, Daniels has excelled with an 80.3% completion rate, 664 passing yards, 171 rushing yards, and five total touchdowns, all without a single turnover. His ability to minimize mistakes while making impactful plays signals the potential for stardom.
As the Commanders aim to reclaim their former glory, fans may finally find themselves uttering a hopeful mantra: “Here we come.”
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