Jayden Daniels' heroics vs Bengals impress Shannon Sharpe, J.J. Watt and NFL world - "He’s the gospel"
Is Jayden Daniels the savior of the Washington Commanders? He might have looked the part on Monday against the Cincinnati Bengals, whom he dominated in a 38-33 Washington win.
Daniels completed 21 of 23 passes (91.3%, a post-merger rookie record) for 254 yards and two touchdowns, as well as 39 rushing yards on 12 carries and a touchdown.
Many were in awe at such a performance, including prominent former players. Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe said:
"J. Daniels is Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. He’s the gospel. Played 1 helluva gm 2nite. Big throw after big throw. He’s H.I.M 🔥🔥🔥"
Former Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, both of whom are now analysts for CBS, also sent praise:
"Jayden Daniels have a damn night. Wow," Watt said.
"Stop it! Unreal throw from Jayden Daniels. Love the double move call!" Ryan remarked.
The win puts the Commanders to 2-1, in the lead in the NFC East - an unusual sight given the rather low expectations placed on them. The Bengals, meanwhile, are now a perilous 0-3 - their first such start since 2019, the year before they drafted Joe Burrow.
Key contributors as Jayden Daniels' Commanders defeat Joe Burrow's Bengals on MNF
The most interesting thing about Jayden Daniels’ dominance is that he did not “air it out” as prolifically as he was expected to.Terry McLaurin was easily the team’s best receiver, with 100 yards on four catches and a touchdown (the other passing score came from offensive tackle Trent Scott).
Instead, the burgundy-and-gold scored mostly on the ground. Besides Daniels, Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler also had at least 30 yards (the latter on just three carries) and a touchdown.
For the Begals, the loss spoiled a 324-yard outing for Joe Burrow, who threw three touchdowns (two to Ja’Marr Chase and one to Andrei Iosivas). Chase Brown and Zack Moss combined for 120 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
Each team had two sacks - one solo and one shared. Bobby Wagner was the night’s top tackler with eight solos. No turnovers or punts occurred in the game - the first time in the Super Bowl era.
Both teams will visit fellow 2023 last-placers in the next games: Commanders at the Arizona Cardinals and Bengals at the Carolina Panthers.