Jayden Daniels may have effectively clinched the Rookie of the Year award with his latest performance.
The Washington Commanders quarterback orchestrated a game-winning drive with just six seconds remaining to secure a thrilling 36-33 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, further cementing his historic rookie campaign.
The second overall pick in the draft is enjoying one of the most remarkable rookie seasons in NFL history.
Trailing by five points and with under two minutes left on the clock, Daniels led the Commanders on a nine-play, 57-yard drive.
He connected with wide receiver Jamison Crowder for a nine-yard touchdown pass in the end zone, putting Washington ahead. A successful two-point conversion followed, sealing the win in dramatic fashion.
Daniels is the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw five touchdown passes in a single game, becoming just the sixth player overall to achieve this feat. But his record-breaking accomplishments didn’t stop there.
In addition to his five touchdown passes, Daniels set another historic mark by throwing four passing touchdowns in the final 30 seconds of regulation and overtime, the most by any player in a single season since the NFL merger.
This has truly been a season for the ages in Landover, Maryland.
For a franchise that has long struggled with consistent quarterback play, Daniels has been nothing short of sensational.
Under his leadership, the Commanders are on the verge of their first playoff appearance since 2020, with their playoff chances now above 90% as they sit at 10-5 with two weeks remaining.
They have not made the postseason since 2020 and haven’t won a playoff game since 2005—almost two decades ago.
Daniels looks poised to end Washington’s prolonged playoff drought.
The Commanders’ 10-5 record marks their best start since the 1992 season. While they currently trail the 12-3 Eagles by two games in the NFC East, Washington is in a strong position to secure a wildcard spot.
Daniels is now in a heated competition with fellow rookie quarterback Bo Nix for Offensive Rookie of the Year, but after his performance, it’s hard to imagine anyone else taking home the honor.
One fan on X declared, “He’s the rookie of the year, no doubt.” Another fan added, “Jayden Daniels with ice in his veins! Game-winning TD with 6 seconds left to beat the Eagles. This rookie is a lock for ROY—he’s got Mahomes-level magic!”
When comparisons to Patrick Mahomes start to surface, you know you’re doing something right.
Daniels and the Commanders will next face the Falcons at home before heading to Dallas for a regular-season finale against the Cowboys.
For the first time in years, Daniels has the Commanders on the brink of something truly special, and he could very well be bringing home some major hardware in the process.
