Jayden Daniels had an impressive rookie season that culminated in a remarkable moment during a thrilling game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. With only 23 seconds remaining and the Washington Commanders trailing 15-12, Daniels launched an incredible Hail Mary pass. The ball was deflected, and remarkably, Noah Brown caught it in the end zone, resulting in a stunning 52-yard touchdown that secured an 18-15 victory for the Commanders.
Daniels, who had been dealing with a rib injury, showcased poise and resilience throughout the game. With the win, head coach Dan Quinn and the Commanders celebrated the unexpected turn of events, demonstrating the excitement on the sideline.
Before the dramatic final play, Caleb Williams appeared to lead the Bears to a potential win after navigating a tough game filled with pressure. Daniels, however, managed to pull off a spectacular finish. Following the victory, he expressed gratitude for his team’s camaraderie, stating, “We’ve got a great locker room, a great brotherhood. Nobody else I’d rather go to war with.”
The first half of the game was challenging for both quarterbacks. The Bears failed to score, while the Commanders managed to take a 9-0 lead by halftime with three field goals. Daniels threw for 154 yards before the break, while Williams struggled, completing only 3 of 8 passes, ultimately tallying just 33 passing yards in the half.
In the second half, the Commanders initially seemed poised to extend their lead with a touchdown, but a penalty for ineligible man downfield forced them to settle for another field goal. The Bears finally sparked their offense when D’Andre Swift scored on a 56-yard run.
However, the Bears made a questionable decision on a pivotal play when they attempted a handoff to offensive lineman Doug Kramer Jr. The botched handoff resulted in a fumble that the Commanders recovered. This decision proved costly as the game progressed.
Despite their struggles, the Bears had a chance to win late in the game, with Williams connecting with key receivers on crucial plays. An important pass interference call against Commanders’ cornerback Benjamin St-Juste aided the Bears, setting up Roschon Johnson’s touchdown that briefly gave them a 15-12 lead.
It seemed like Williams might secure the win, but Daniels had different plans, culminating in his unforgettable last-second touchdown pass.