Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered a legendary performance on Sunday, throwing for five touchdowns—including a game-winning strike to Jamison Crowder with six seconds left—as the Commanders edged the Philadelphia Eagles 36-33. The victory snapped the Eagles’ 10-game winning streak and kept them from clinching the NFC East title.
Daniels, unfazed by multiple deficits—including a 14-point hole in the opening seven minutes and a 13-point gap entering the fourth quarter—showed poise beyond his years. In a game where the Eagles’ MVP candidate Jalen Hurts was sidelined early with a concussion, Daniels took center stage, orchestrating a 57-yard game-winning drive in the final two minutes against one of the NFL’s top defenses.
The rookie finished the game 24 of 39 for 258 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also led Washington on the ground, rushing for 81 yards on nine carries, becoming the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw for five touchdowns and rush for 65 or more yards in a single game.
Daniels’ brilliance overshadowed an electric start by the Eagles, who raced to a 14-0 lead behind Saquon Barkley’s 109 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter alone. Despite turnovers and penalties, the Commanders rallied, holding Barkley to just 41 yards after the opening quarter and forcing backup quarterback Kenny Pickett into a mistake-filled performance.
Daniels became the first Washington quarterback to throw for five touchdowns since Mark Rypien in 1991—a season that culminated in a Super Bowl victory. Rypien, the MVP of that Super Bowl, was in attendance and witnessed the young quarterback cement his place in franchise lore.
“I just trusted my guys,” Daniels said after the game. “We’ve been in tough spots before, and I knew we had the fight to come back. Jamison [Crowder], Terry [McLaurin], Olamide [Zaccheaus], the whole team—this win was all about believing in each other.”
Daniels spread the ball effectively, throwing touchdown passes to Crowder (two), Zaccheaus, and McLaurin. He overcame two interceptions, including one late in the fourth quarter, to deliver the game-winning drive.
The Eagles’ hopes for a division-clinching victory were dashed as Hurts left the game early after consecutive hits, the second of which resulted in his head bouncing off the turf. Backup Kenny Pickett struggled in relief, completing 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown to A.J. Brown, and an interception to Frankie Luvu.
Pickett’s lack of rhythm and a critical drop by DeVonta Smith on a late drive proved costly for Philadelphia, which settled for two field goals instead of touchdowns in key moments.
Washington improved to 10-5, putting them on the brink of a playoff berth with two games remaining. The Commanders’ resilience—overcoming three fumbles (two by Brian Robinson Jr. and one by Dyami Brown) and three pass interference penalties on Marshon Lattimore—was a testament to their growth under pressure.
Defensively, the Commanders clamped down on Barkley after his explosive start and capitalized on Hurts’ absence. Luvu’s interception and game-altering hit on Hurts were pivotal moments.
The Eagles (12-3) remain atop the NFC but face critical questions about Hurts’ availability for their final two games as they prepare to host the Dallas Cowboys next Sunday.
The Commanders, riding high off this emotional victory, will host the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday night with a chance to solidify their postseason position.
For Washington fans, Sunday’s win will be remembered as a breakout moment for Daniels, who not only kept the Eagles from celebrating but also reignited hope for a franchise long overdue for success.
