Sept. 24 (UPI) — Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels aims to stay even-keeled, but says his record-breaking role in a Washington Commanders win over the Cincinnati Bengals “a starting point.”
Daniels completed 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two scores, while rushing for another touchdown in the 38-33 victory Monday in Cincinnati. He set a rookie record for completion percentage (91.3%) in the primetime triumph.
“I feel like we’ve still got a lot to improve on as an offense,” Daniels told reporters. “Never get too comfortable with what we are doing. It’s just a starting point.”
Monday’s matchup featured a deluge of offense, with the Bengals and Commanders combining for nearly 800 total yards. The game was the first NFL contest without a punt or turnover since 1940.
“We knew it was going to be an absolute battle,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said.
Quarterback Joe Burrow gave the Bengals an initial lead with a 41-yard touchdown toss to wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase on the game’s opening drive. Daniels responded by leading the Commanders on a 10-play, 70-yard scoring drive. Running back Brian Robinson ended the possession with a 1-yard touchdown run.
Bengals kicker Evan McPherson missed a 48-yard kick on the resulting drive. Commanders running back Austin Ekeler scored seven plays later on a 24-yard run for a 14-7 lead.
McPherson redeemed himself by hitting a 28-yard kick with 5:28 remaining in the second quarter. Daniels proceeded to connect with wide receiver Terry McLaurin on a 55-yard pass about three minutes later. The rookie quarterback ran in for a 4-yard score on the next play.
McPherson made a 31-yard kick in the final seconds of the half to make the score 21-13 at the break.
Jayden Daniels had a historic MNF debut: 293 total yards, 91.3 comp%, 3 total TDs @JayD__5 | @Commanders pic.twitter.com/TMUHGzUjsw— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2024
Ekeler kept momentum in the hands of the Commanders with a 62-yard kick return to start the second half. Daniels threw a 1-yard pass to offensive lineman Trent Scott about five minutes later for the first touchdown toss of his career.
Burrow threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Andrei Iosivas with about three minutes remaining in the third quarter to cut into the deficit, but the Bengals defense could not stop the Commanders down the stretch.
Commanders kicker Austin Siebert made a 42-yard field goal on the next drive.
Burrow responded with a 31-yard touchdown pass to Chase about two minutes later. Daniels answered with a clutch 27-yard touchdown pass to McLaurin, giving the Commanders a 12-point lead with two minutes remaining.
Running back Zack Moss scored a 1-yard touchdown with less than a minute remaining, but the Bengals then failed to recover an onside kick, effectively ending the game.
McLaurin caught four passes for 100 yards and a score. Ekeler, who left the game because of a concussion, totaled 57 yards from scrimmage and a score on five touches.
Burrow completed 29 of 38 passes for 324 yards and three scores. Moss logged 97 yards from scrimmage and a score on 17 touches. Chase caught six passes for 118 yards and two scores in the loss.
Daniels completed 40 of 53 (75.4%) of his attempts for 410 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, through his first two starts. He also ran for 132 yards and two scores, leading the Commanders to a 1-1 record. After Monday’s performance, he has now completed 80.2% of his throws this season for 664 yards and two scores, in addition to 171 yards and three scores on the ground.
He did not log a turnover through the first three starts of his career.
“I would just say I’m a competitor,” Daniels said. “I want to compete at the highest level. It’s a blessing to go out there each and every Sunday to do things a lot of people in the world can’t do.
“I’m blessed to be one of the 32 teams to go out there and compete every Sunday, Monday or whenever we play.”
The Commanders (2-1) will battle the Arizona Cardinals (1-2) on Sunday in Glendale, Ariz. The Bengals (0-3) will face the Carolina Panthers (1-2) on Sunday in Charlotte, N.C.
