In an NFL showdown that will go down in Commanders lore, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels pulled off a miracle play to secure a dramatic 6-2 start for Washington this season. With time expired on the clock and the Commanders trailing by three, Daniels launched an astonishing Hail Mary pass from his own 40-yard line, defying expectations and securing an incredible victory over the Chicago Bears. This win also showcased a fierce battle between the NFL’s top rookie quarterbacks from the 2024 draft, Daniels and Caleb Williams, in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Commanders seemed to have the game under control, holding a 12-point lead late into the third quarter. But the resilient Bears stormed back, spurred by a De’Andre Swift touchdown, bringing the score within striking distance. With just over two minutes left, Williams drove the Bears down the field, capping the drive with a one-yard touchdown run from Roschon Johnson and a successful two-point conversion. Suddenly, the Commanders found themselves trailing by three, with only 25 seconds remaining.
Daniels, known for his calm under pressure despite a lingering rib injury from Week 7, took to the field for one final drive. After two quick completions, he was set up on his own 40-yard line with no time left on the clock, needing a miracle. The rookie scrambled to evade pressure before heaving a 60-yard pass into the end zone, where it was deflected right into the waiting hands of Noah Brown, sealing the improbable win.
In an emotional post-game moment, Daniels reflected on the unforgettable play, humbly crediting a higher power. “Nothing but God, man, Nothing but God. All glory to God,” he said.
Daniels’ remarkable composure has already won him the respect of his teammates, with Brown, who caught the game-winning pass, singing his praises. “We’re blessed to have (No.) 5 leading this team,” Brown said. “The things he can do are special, even that last play. He kept his composure, fought to get the ball off, and threw a hell of a ball. I wouldn’t want to play with any other quarterback.”
With their jaw-dropping victory, the Commanders move to 6-2, setting their sights on their first playoff appearance in four years and affirming Daniels as a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.
