In Week 3, Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels made a splash in his first prime-time appearance on “Monday Night Football.” Facing off against the Cincinnati Bengals, Daniels delivered a stellar performance, guiding his team to a 38-33 victory. With precision passing and poise under pressure, the young quarterback displayed the kind of talent that had many NFL scouts and analysts buzzing. His performance was a clear declaration that a new star was rising in the league, as he earned praise for his ability to perform on the big stage.
Daniels’ highlight reel from the Bengals game was packed with impressive throws, but it was his leadership and composure that stood out the most. He threw for over 300 yards, connected with multiple receivers, and threw two touchdowns while keeping the Bengals’ defense off balance. The win boosted the Commanders to a 2-1 record, and many began to see Daniels as the future of the franchise. His ability to shine under the bright lights of a national audience signaled that the Commanders may have found their quarterback of the future.
However, Daniels’ second prime-time game came with a different outcome. On Thursday night in Week 4, the Commanders traveled to Philadelphia to face the undefeated Eagles, who were coming off a strong start to the season. Unlike his dominant display against the Bengals, Daniels struggled to find rhythm against Philadelphia’s formidable defense. Despite his best efforts, the Commanders fell 26-18, with Daniels finishing the game with 191 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
While Daniels completed 22 of his 32 passes, his performance was marked by inconsistency. His passer rating of 81.6 and an average of just 6.0 yards per attempt indicated that he was unable to break free from the Eagles’ defensive pressure. The game was a reminder that Daniels, while showing flashes of brilliance, still has plenty to learn and refine as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. His interception, which came at a critical moment, further highlighted the challenges of playing against an elite team like the Eagles.
The Commanders’ offense as a whole also struggled in the loss, with the running game failing to get going and the offensive line unable to provide Daniels with consistent protection. The lack of balance on offense contributed to Daniels’ inability to take full control of the game. Philadelphia’s defense, led by standout players like defensive tackle Fletcher Cox and linebacker Haason Reddick, applied constant pressure, making it difficult for Daniels to find a rhythm. The loss dropped Washington to a 2-2 record, forcing the team to regroup and refocus for the remainder of the season.
Despite the setback, the Commanders and their fans remain optimistic about Daniels’ potential. The rookie quarterback’s first prime-time performance showed that he can handle the spotlight, and his growth will be key to Washington’s future success. While his second outing wasn’t as spectacular, it served as a valuable learning experience, reinforcing the idea that development and consistency are essential for young quarterbacks in the NFL. As the season progresses, Daniels will have plenty of opportunities to prove that his debut was no fluke and that he is indeed a rising star in the league.