In a thrilling finish that will be remembered as one of the season’s defining moments, Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels orchestrated a stunning comeback against the Chicago Bears, throwing a 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown to receiver Noah Brown for an improbable 18-15 win on Sunday. The play capped off an electrifying game that saw the Commanders improve to 6-2, while the Bears fell to 4-3, snapping their three-game winning streak.
With just 25 seconds remaining in the game, the Commanders found themselves trailing after a one-yard touchdown run by Bears running back Roschon Johnson, set up by a costly pass interference penalty that placed the ball on the one-yard line. After the kickoff, Washington started their drive from their own 24-yard line, with only 19 seconds left to work with. Daniels, displaying poise beyond his years, completed three crucial passes that set the stage for the dramatic finish.
On the final play, with time running out and the pressure mounting, Daniels scrambled around for nearly 13 seconds, evading defenders as he rolled out of the pocket. From the Washington 35-yard line, he launched a desperation throw into the end zone. The pass initially tipped off the hands of tight end Zach Ertz, but fate had other plans. The ball ricocheted into the waiting arms of Noah Brown, who was standing alone in the end zone, sealing the victory for the Commanders as time expired.
“It was pure chaos,” said Daniels after the game. “I didn’t even see Noah catch it. I just threw it up and hoped for the best. When I heard the crowd go wild, it was the best feeling ever.”
Daniels’ heroics added yet another highlight to a season that has made him a frontrunner for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. He finished the game with 326 passing yards and 52 rushing yards, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities even while dealing with a rib injury that had sidelined him earlier in the week. Although he showed signs of being off at times, taking several hits as he released the ball, Daniels stepped up when it mattered most.
In contrast, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who was the first overall pick in the same draft, struggled throughout the game. He completed just 10 of 24 passes for 131 yards and only found rhythm late in the game. Chicago’s offense struggled, managing just 172 yards until the fourth quarter and failing to score until D’Andre Swift’s 56-yard touchdown run late in the third.
The Commanders’ scoring efforts prior to the Hail Mary came from kicker Austin Seibert, who connected on four field goals. Since signing Seibert after a kicking debacle in the season opener, the Commanders have found stability in their kicking game. He has now set a franchise record for the most field goals made and points scored through Week 8, surpassing the previous record set by Mark Moseley during his All-Pro season in 1982.
The game culminated in a frenzy of celebration from players, coaches, and fans alike as the Commanders celebrated their victory. Jayden Daniels, already establishing himself as one of the league’s most electric players, has proven that he is not just a rookie to watch, but a force to be reckoned with as Washington pushes for a playoff spot.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, the Commanders will look to build on this momentum heading into the next week, while the Bears will need to regroup after a tough loss that ended their winning streak. For Washington, the sky is the limit, and with Daniels at the helm, fans have plenty to be excited about as the season progresses.
