Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders recaptured some of their mojo from their momentous 2024 campaign, and in the process, they may have saved their season. Roughly a month after squandering a surefire win and leaving Northwest Stadium with a nauseating tie, Dan Quinn's squad got some redemption and earned a tense 24-21 road victory over the first-place New York Giants.
The defense recovered nicely in the fourth quarter and ultimately sealed the outcome, but fans cannot overlook No. 5's resilience.
“Washington TE Ben Sinnott said Jayden Daniels has same demeanor whether he throws back-to-back picks or three touchdowns: Cool. Helped late in this one,” ESPN's Jeremy Fowler posted on X.
Trailing 21-17 with 5:31 remaining in the game, the former No. 2 overall draft pick proceeded to throw his first two interceptions of the season, and did so on back to-back Commanders drives. He expressed visible frustration on the sidelines, but that emotion did not carry onto the field. Daniels, with some help from Big Blue blunders, lifted Washington to a late lead. He connected with veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who burned Dru Phillips for a 32-yard go-ahead touchdown with 57 seconds left on the clock.
Winning players capitalize on second or third chances and find ways to prevail when they are not performing at their best. The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year completed 23-of-33 passes for 249 yards with three TDs and the two picks. He added another 28 rushing yards. One clutch victory will not erase all the Commanders' issues, but it could give them invaluable confidence moving forward.
Daniels must be cool under pressure once more, as Washington (3-5-1) next faces Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) on Monday Night Football.