In the midst of a raucous locker room celebration, safety Jeremy Reaves pointed to quarterback Jayden Daniels and uttered just two words: “He’s different.” The sentiment was echoed by defensive tackle Jon Allen, who declared, “He is the answer.” After a thrilling 38-33 victory over the Bengals, it’s hard to argue with their assessment.
Daniels put on a show, completing 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns. His game-clinching 27-yard touchdown pass to receiver Terry McLaurin, thrown while being hit by a defender, left teammates in awe. “I think he grew up tonight,” McLaurin said. “He’s getting more confident, and that’s only going to make him more dangerous.”
Washington’s winning streak has reached two games, with Daniels at the helm. He’s completed an impressive 80.3% of his passes, averaging 6.2 air yards per attempt, and thrown for 662 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Coach Dan Quinn praised Daniels’ growth, saying, “He’s continuing to grow on the job.”
Teammates have been effusive in their praise of Daniels since spring practice. Guard Sam Cosmi summed it up: “The only word I can really say is hope. I believe. We believe.” Daniels’ poise under pressure has been particularly impressive. When the play clock was winding down, he calmly motioned to the sideline to get the play call, exuding confidence.
Daniels’ composure has rubbed off on the entire offense. Guard Nick Allegretti noted, “If that guy’s stressed, everyone else tightens up. So he may not be doing it on purpose, but his composure composes the entire offense.” Daniels converted three crucial fourth downs, including a thrilling fourth-and-4 pass to tight end Zach Ertz with just over four minutes left in the game.
The rookie quarterback’s crowning moment came when he unleashed a perfect throw, traveling 45 yards in the air, to McLaurin for a 27-yard touchdown. McLaurin had asked for the ball on that play, and Daniels delivered. “When we needed it most, Jayden did a great job of taking a hit,” McLaurin said.
As Daniels basks in the glow of his breakout performance, he might have to negotiate with teammate Trent Scott to get his first touchdown ball. Scott caught a 1-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter and joked about wanting to saw the ball in half. For Daniels, the success is both surprising and validating. “Yes, because obviously it’s something new to me,” he said. “But also just knowing the aspect I continue to put in the work, and what’s done in the dark will always come to light.”
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