With no time left, quarterback Jayden Daniels had one chance to give the Washington Commanders their sixth victory in eight matches. After running away from the Chicago Bears defenders, he launched a desperate heave to the end zone that Noah Brown caught for the winning touchdown.
At first, the game looked one-sided after the Commanders scored the first 12 points, courtesy of four Austin Seibert field goals. However, rushing touchdowns by D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson helped the Bears level the count. A point after by Cairo Santos and a two-point conversion from Caleb Williams to Cole Kmet had Chicago up by three, 15-12, with 25 seconds left in regulation.
However, Daniels added to his growing legend by completing the game-winning throw to Brown. While it was his lone touchdown pass of the game, its impact is an understatement. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner finished the game with 21 completions for 326 yards and eight carries for 52 yards. Daniels outplayed his fellow rookie and top overall pick Caleb Williams, who had 172 yards from scrimmage.
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— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024
JAYDEN DANIELS HAIL MARY! @COMMANDERS WIN! pic.twitter.com/BsQ0Z84Rko
Daniels’ impressive output helped Terry McLaurin gather five catches for 125 yards. Brown had 73 receiving yards on three catches, while Zach Ertz had 77 yards. Meanwhile, Brian Robinson Jr. led all Commanders rushers with 65 yards on 16 carries.
The victory made Washington the NFC East leader at 6-2, and they will face their division rivals, the New York Giants, in their next match. Meanwhile, the Bears can bounce back with a victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9.
-Lance Fernandez