In the much-anticipated clash of LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks on Monday night, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals was widely regarded as the seasoned star. In contrast, Jayden Daniels, the promising rookie for the Washington Commanders, was still carving out his path. Yet, by the end of the night, it became evident that there are now two luminaries from LSU illuminating the NFL stage, with Daniels stealing the spotlight.
In a thrilling showdown that showcased his remarkable talent, Daniels led the Commanders to a 38-33 triumph over the Bengals. The second overall pick of this year’s NFL Draft delivered a performance that was nothing short of extraordinary in just his third professional outing. Demonstrating pinpoint accuracy as a passer and elusiveness as a runner, Daniels faced a crucial third down with just over two minutes remaining. He lofted a breathtaking 27-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin, sealing the fate of the Bengals. With a staggering completion rate of 21 out of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns, along with 39 rushing yards and another touchdown, he etched his name in history as the rookie quarterback with the highest completion percentage. An impressive feat indeed for a player still early in his career.
The Bengals, anticipated to be the formidable force this season, have faced unexpected adversity. After suffering a disheartening home loss in Week 1, they now find themselves in dire straits at 0-3 following another surprising defeat on their home turf.
Meanwhile, the Commanders, sitting at 2-1, have every reason to be optimistic about their future with Daniels at the helm. This game may very well mark a defining moment, heralding Daniels’ early emergence as a key player in the league.
Commanders’ Offensive Surge in First Half
Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt has made headlines this season with his outspoken remarks, claiming the Commanders employed a straightforward approach for their rookie quarterback, likening their strategy to a “nice college offense.” While such bravado can be entertaining, it reveals a deeper issue with the Bengals’ self-perception as Super Bowl contenders—an assertion that lacks solid backing given their current performance.
While Taylor-Britt may have dismissed Washington’s offense, the Bengals were unable to contain it all night long. They initially started strong, with Burrow connecting with Ja’Marr Chase for a dazzling 41-yard touchdown. However, the Commanders quickly responded, igniting the scoreboard with three consecutive touchdown drives covering 69, 62, and 75 yards. Daniels executed a stunning 55-yard deep pass to McLaurin, showcasing a well-executed professional offense that culminated in a touchdown run by Daniels himself, giving Washington a surprising 21-10 lead. By halftime, Daniels had completed 7 of 8 passes for 139 yards, propelling the Commanders to an impressive average of 8.5 yards per play.
Despite the Bengals being labeled the more desperate team, they struggled to assert their dominance throughout the evening.
Bengals’ Defensive Woes
Cincinnati entered the game reeling from a shocking loss to the Patriots, making another defeat at home against the Commanders seem improbable. However, the second half began with a remarkable 62-yard kickoff return by Austin Ekeler, setting the stage for Daniels to connect with 320-pound offensive lineman Trent Scott for his first career NFL touchdown pass—a moment that could become a trivia highlight in years to come. Suddenly, the Bengals found themselves trailing 28-13, with an offensive lineman celebrating in their end zone.
Though the Bengals attempted a comeback with touchdowns from Andrei Iosivas and Chase, they still trailed 31-26 with under ten minutes left on the clock. Daniels orchestrated a decisive drive, converting a critical fourth-and-4 with a pass to Zach Ertz. The Bengals, struggling to halt the rookie quarterback in his first Monday night start and just his second road appearance, faced another challenge when Daniels delivered a magnificent touchdown pass to McLaurin.
“I knew I was going to take a hit, but I trust my players out there,” Daniels told ESPN’s Lisa Salters after the game. “I trust my guy to go and make a play.”
Cincinnati did manage a touchdown with just 40 seconds remaining, but Washington recovered the ensuing onside kick, allowing Daniels to cap off his fairy-tale night.
The Bengals have significant issues to address, and with an 0-3 record, the urgency to rectify their course has never been greater. Their current predicament is particularly alarming, having suffered losses to two teams deemed among the weakest in the league before the season began. Yet, it is clear that while the Commanders still face their own challenges, they have become a formidable opponent—Daniels’ prowess ensures that victories over Washington can no longer be taken for granted.
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