NEW ORLEANS — In another thrilling finish at the Superdome, Jayden Daniels experienced quite a different outcome in his second matchup on this field. The rookie quarterback for Washington couldn’t have asked for a better result, despite his concerns over his team’s narrow escape from surrendering a three-score lead in the latter half of the game.
Daniels connected on two touchdown passes in the first half to wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Washington managed to edge past a late surge from rookie QB Spencer Rattler and the New Orleans Saints, clinching a 20-19 victory after the Saints failed to convert a crucial 2-point attempt as time expired. “It feels good to win by one point,” said Daniels, reflecting on his previous loss here during his LSU debut. “Life comes full circle.”
The Heisman Trophy winner from last year completed 25 out of 31 attempts for 226 yards and added 66 rushing yards, notably converting on a pivotal third-and-14 scramble that led to a field goal by Greg Joseph. This kick extended the Commanders’ lead to 17-0 in the third quarter. As the game progressed, Rattler relieved starting quarterback Jake Haener and nearly orchestrated a comeback, completing a 56-yard drive that culminated in a late TD pass to Foster Moreau.
Interim coach Darren Rizzi opted to go for the win on the final play, but Rattler’s pass intended for Juwan Johnson fell incomplete, marking the Saints’ fourth consecutive loss without their starting quarterback, Derek Carr, who was sidelined the previous week due to injury. “It’s a mix of emotions…we walk off with a loss, but I couldn’t be prouder of the team,” Rizzi noted, reinforcing his decision to attempt the 2-point conversion. “I just thought it was the right thing.”
Washington’s display of ineffectiveness included a frustrating total of nine penalties amounting to 84 yards, which allowed New Orleans to remain competitive in the game. Coach Dan Quinn expressed his dismay at the penalties and acknowledged the challenges that came with maintaining composure during tight matchups.
McLaurin posted a solid performance with seven receptions totaling 73 yards, although a deep pass intended for him was overthrown in the fourth quarter. Rattler managed to put up 135 passing yards and secured one touchdown after stepping in for Haener, who struggled and ended the game with just four completions on ten attempts. The Saints’ scoring efforts were assisted by receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr., who connected with Alvin Kamara on a 21-yard touchdown pass, narrowing Washington’s lead significantly with two subsequent field goals by Blake Grupe.
Despite taking eight sacks, which included instances where he rushed out of bounds for minimal gain, Daniels executed a remarkable touchdown play that showcased his agility and creativity. He evaded multiple defenders and managed to connect with McLaurin, who secured the catch amidst a chaotic collision in the end zone. “It was a hell of a play,” commented defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, praising Daniels’ unique style of play.
A controversial clock stoppage at a critical moment added to the game’s intensity. As New Orleans hurried to set up for a play with mere seconds left, the officials accidentally froze the clock before it resumed ticking. Rattler spiked the ball with three seconds remaining, leading to their last-minute touchdown. Referee Shawn Hochuli elaborated on the incident, confirming a mistake was made regarding the clock stoppage, which is an unreviewable violation in such circumstances.
Injury updates revealed that Washington’s tight end Zach Ertz left the game due to concussion symptoms, while center Tyler Biadasz was ruled out just before the start. New Orleans also suffered setbacks, with Kamara experiencing a groin issue that sidelined him for the remainder of the game.
Looking ahead, the Commanders are set to host the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday, while the Saints will travel to Green Bay for their upcoming matchup.
