In Landover, Maryland, Jayden Daniels threw a remarkable 52-yard Hail Mary pass to Noah Brown as time ran out, leading the Washington Commanders to an 18-15 win against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Daniels eluded pressure for several seconds before launching the ball from the Commanders’ 35-yard line. The pass was deflected just short of the end zone and ended up in Brown’s hands, who was left unmarked in the end zone.
This marked the fifth last-second Hail Mary touchdown since 2006, as recorded by ESPN, and it was the second longest in this category, eclipsed only by a 61-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers in 2015.
With just 23 seconds remaining, the Bears had briefly taken the lead at 15-12 on a 1-yard touchdown run by Roschon Johnson, following a pass-interference penalty against the Commanders. This defeat ended Chicago’s three-game winning streak, as they fell behind 12-0 before the dramatic concluding play.
This game was historic, being the first since November 13, 1977, where both teams scored go-ahead touchdowns in the final 30 seconds.
Despite playing with a rib injury that raised doubts about his availability until shortly before the game, Daniels completed 21 of 38 passes for 326 yards and added 52 rushing yards. The match featured two rookie quarterbacks drafted first and second overall, with Daniels outshining Caleb Williams, who completed 10 of 24 passes for 131 yards and led a late scoring drive.
For the Commanders, Austin Seibert contributed significantly by kicking four field goals, marking the only points for Washington prior to the Hail Mary. Seibert’s signing after early-season kicking struggles has proven vital for the team, as he has now set franchise records for the most field goals made and points scored through Week 8 of the season.
Both teams showcased their potential, but it was Daniels’ last-minute heroics that ultimately sealed the victory for the Commanders.