It was the battle of two former LSU quarterbacks under lights in Cincinnati. Leading the line for the Bengals, Joe Burrow had already established himself, having played five seasons in the NFL. On the other hand, it was rookie QB Jayden Daniels who was still finding his feet in the top league.

But among the two, it was this year’s No.2 pick for Commanders who came out on top. Starting only his third game of the season, Daniels led the Commanders to a second straight win against the Burrow’s Bengals with a 38-33 victory. Giving his thoughts on Un Sports ESPN about Daniel’s night in Cincinnati was former Super Bowl champion Jeff Saturday, “First of all, the big six, my man, put it into the big man’s hand. Respect for that also two incompletions that is insanity to go on the road against the Bengals.”

Well, speaking about the big six Saturday may have referred to Daniels’ first career touchdown pass to an offensive tackle. It was a 1-yard toss to Trent Scott for the start of the second half. Even Daniels later expressed that, “They were all discombobulated on defense. We got a sneaky one.” But it wasn’t the only moment that showed the capability the former Heisman Trophy winner possesses.

His play of the night was a 27-yard touchdown pass made toward Terry McLaurin while being pressured in the pocket. Although he took a hit from Bengals safety, Geno Stone, Daniels managed to pinpoint his throw with two minutes remaining on the clock. This play brought heaps of reactions across social media, where former NFLer Robert Griffin III called it, “Jayden Daniels has ICE IN HIS VEINS!!!”. While others called the Commanders’ QB special, seeing what he managed to pull off.

Daniels ended his night at Paycor Stadium, having completed 21-of-23 passes for 254 yards and two TDs. And he didn’t stop there as the rookie QB rushed 12 times for 39 yards. Well, the Commanders may have finally found the franchise QB that they have been looking for after multiple first-round picks, trades and free-agent signings. Jayden’s performance was so sublime that he even got Bengals players and his teammates praising him on the night.

Jayden Daniels announcing himself in the NFL

After Daniels finished his night in Cincinnati, he ended up setting an NFL record for a 91.3% pass completion rate. Hearing about that insane state, the Commanders QB said, “That’s crazy.” Well, it was indeed crazy as Commanders also became the first team to score on each of their drives for the second game running.

Last time out against the Giants, they had seven field goals, while this time, it was eight drives with five touchdowns, a field goal and two knee downs. Only Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Patrick Mahomes managed to pull off that historical stat two times in their career. With Daniels entering the history books in only his third start in the NFL, it is simply astonishing, to say the least.

Even Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was visibly ecstatic seeing his rookie QB perform the way he did, “He’s a real cool customer, and he’s got a real poise about him.” Offering us some insights after the game, Daniels expressed, “I put in the work. What’s done in the dark will always come to light. I just know that I prepare for these moments week in and week out. I just have to go out there and play football and execute.”

On the back of a historical night, Daniels even got praised by Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase, “He’s a great f—— player. I’m not gonna lie.” And those praises didn’t stop there, as his teammate to whom he threw the thunderous 27-yard TD pass, Terry McLaurin, said, “That kid has poise. I think he grew up tonight. That’s what great players are about, and I think he’s gonna be well on his way if he continues to work.” 

For now, Daniels may have announced his arrival in the NFL. But will he be able to continue on those plays as the season is long and the games are only going to get tougher? Only time will tell, but as things stand, the future of Jayden Daniels looks bright at the top of the American football pyramid.