Jayden Daniels sheds his rookie tag as he beats vaunted Eagles’ defense to throw game-winning TD
Washington Commanders beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the fourth-quarter heroics of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
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Jayden Daniels threw the game-winning touchdown against the vaunted Philadelphia Eagles defense in his face (Image via NFL/X)
The Philadelphia Eagles boast one of the league’s top defenses, known for putting opposing quarterbacks under pressure. When they visited Washington to face the Commanders, many anticipated they would easily dominate rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and secure a straightforward win.
For the first three quarters, it looked as if all analysts, fans and bettors made the right choice as the Eagles held a near two score lead. In the fourth quarter, Daniels cut the lead down with a TD pass to former Eagles star Olamide Zaccheaus.
After his defensive teammates stopped a Jalen Hurts less offense, Daniels again threw to Zaccheaus for another TD. However, their first lead of the night was short-lived once the Eagles managed to get a field goal and intercepted the rookie on his next drive.
Another Eagles field goal later, the home team was left with just two minutes to get some points back. Jayden Daniels drove the length of the field and arrived at the Eagles 9-yard line. With just 11 seconds left on the clock, they could only attempt one play to win it.
JAYDEN DANIELS. COMMANDERS TAKE THE LEAD WITH 6 SECONDS.#PHIvsWAS pic.twitter.com/BcKGpEBIsl
— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024
The Philadelphia Eagles’ vaunted defense knew the assignment and lined up to rush four and had seven players ready to defend the pass. Once the ball was snapped, that formidable front four collapsed the pocket, making it harder for Daniels.
He held the ball long enough for Jamison Crowder to break free. Then, with mounting pressure, he threw the ball right between four Eagles defenders. It was quite the throw from the rookie, who kept his cool in the face of that much pressure and coverage and throw it for his team to take the lead for good.
Jayden Daniels hasn’t seen the last time the Commanders had a 10-5 record
With the latest win, the Washington Commanders improved to 10-5 this season. It marks the first time since 1991 that they have seen such a record, quite the improvement for a team that was always in the doldrums.
In fact, no one considered them a proper playoff team during those 32 years. It is not that they did not have the players or coaches. Quarterback Kirk Cousins made his name as part of the then Washington Redskins.
10-5 START FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1991@budlight | #EasytoCelebrate pic.twitter.com/DrijnlkdlZ
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 22, 2024
The Commanders still have two games to go, and one loss could render this celebration worthless. However, if they do end up winning those two games, they could match that 1991 season when they won their last Super Bowl.
All this might not mean anything to Jayden Daniels. The last time his team managed that record, he hadn’t even been born. However, it could mean a lot to the fans who are seeing a new era start with a rookie quarterback. Especially one who can get as clutch as possible as he showed today.
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Joseph Varghese
(2163 Articles Published)