LANDOVER, Md. — Jayden Daniels displayed remarkable poise as the Washington Commanders overcame a daunting 14-point deficit against the Philadelphia Eagles within the first seven minutes of play. Even after falling behind by 13 points entering the fourth quarter and with Jalen Hurts out due to a concussion, the rookie quarterback remained confident. “I always believe that we can win the game no matter what,” Daniels noted. “The game’s never over until the clock hits zero.”
In a thrilling finish, Daniels took charge when there were just 1:58 left on the clock and orchestrated a dramatic comeback by connecting with Jamison Crowder for a touchdown with only six seconds remaining. This stunning play secured a 36-33 victory for the Commanders, ending the Eagles’ impressive 10-game winning streak. The performance marked his fifth touchdown pass of the day and kept Philadelphia from claiming the NFC East title prematurely.
Reflecting on the game, Daniels remarked on the significance of competing against a high-caliber team like the Eagles, acknowledging their strong offense and defense. “You want to go out there and see where you match up against those type of guys,” he stated. He emphasized the excitement of performing under pressure in critical moments, saying, “Those type of situations when it’s on thin ice and plays need to be made, that’s what you live for.”
Daniels made history by becoming the first quarterback for Washington to throw five touchdown passes in a game since Mark Rypien in 1991, which coincidentally was the last season the team won the Super Bowl. Rypien was present for the game, adding to the momentous atmosphere.
Even after struggling with two interceptions, including one in the clutch moments, Daniels led a 57-yard touchdown drive against what is considered the NFL’s top defense. Now with a record of 10-5, the Commanders are close to clinching a playoff spot after handing the Eagles (12-3) their first defeat since September 29.
Despite the Eagles missing Hurts for most of the game, they were still in contention thanks to Saquon Barkley, who racked up 109 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter. However, Philadelphia could not secure a win due in part to Daniels’ stellar performance, who avenged a previous road loss to the Eagles a month earlier. He completed 24 of 39 passes for 258 yards and threw two touchdown passes to Crowder and Olamide Zaccheaus, in addition to one thrown to Terry McLaurin—who himself caught five passes for 60 yards, marking his fifth consecutive season surpassing 1,000 receiving yards.
Notably, Daniels became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw at least five touchdown passes and rush for over 65 yards in a single game. “It doesn’t get too much harder going against a team like that, back against the wall,” McLaurin said, praising Daniels. “But when you’ve got to have it, when the game’s on the line, he made the plays.”
Daniels’ exceptional performance compensated for Brian Robinson Jr.’s first-half fumbles and Dyami Brown’s turnover early in the third quarter. The Commanders’ defense also effectively contained Barkley, limiting his output to just 41 yards following a strong start.
In contrast, Philadelphia’s offense struggled after Hurts was sidelined, with backup Kenny Pickett stepping in. Pickett managed to throw 14 completions on 24 attempts for 143 yards, contributing with a touchdown to A.J. Brown but also throwing an interception.
Tension rose further for the Eagles when receiver DeVonta Smith dropped a crucial pass that could have led to a first down, forcing the team to settle for a second field goal. Smith took accountability for the mistake, saying, “I just dropped the ball. It cost us the game.”
Injury updates were also a concern following the game. For the Eagles, edge rusher Josh Sweat departed due to an ankle issue, while defensive tackle Jordan Davis exited with a limp in the second quarter. Meanwhile, Pickett had his ribs examined and is expected to undergo additional testing. For the Commanders, Lattimore and Brown both left the game with hamstring injuries late in the fourth quarter, while right tackle Andrew Wylie did not finish the game due to a groin injury.
Looking ahead, the Eagles are set to host the Dallas Cowboys next Sunday, while the Commanders will face the Atlanta Falcons at home on Sunday night.
