The legend of Jayden Daniels continues to grow.
Throughout the week, it was unclear if the Washington Commanders’ rookie quarterback would play due to a rib injury. However, Daniels was active and pulled off the most exciting play of his young NFL career, completing a 52-yard Hail Mary pass to Noah Brown as time expired to defeat the Chicago Bears 18-15.
NFL World Reacts to Jayden Daniels’ Incredible Hail Mary Touchdown
The NFL world was blown away by the No. 2 overall pick, who continues to look like the Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite. The Hail Mary attempt was tipped, with Brown catching the ball in the end zone.
Many fans rushed to social media to react to the “craziest play of the year.”
CRAZIEST PLAY OF THE YEAR pic.twitter.com/BJsOGjney8
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) October 27, 2024
Daniels finished the game 21-of-38 for 326 passing yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions while adding eight rushes for 52 yards on the ground.
This was a highly anticipated dual between No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams and No. 2 overall pick Daniels.
Williams finished with just 131 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions with a 41.6% completion percentage.
In PFN’s QB+ metric, Daniels finished this contest with a B- grade (61.8), which is the 13th-best grade thus far in Week 8. Meanwhile, Williams posted an awful D+ grade (41.7), which ranked 28th of 29 quarterbacks who have played so far this week.
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— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 27, 2024
Many fans were speechless and couldn’t believe what they just saw.
Daniels looked like a poised veteran on the play, buying time — holding the ball for 12.75 seconds — before heaving it downfield so that his wide receivers had time to get down the field. After the game, Daniels was even calm during his postgame interview.
NFL insider Ari Meirov described the Hail Mary touchdown as the “Maryland Miracle,” a fitting name for the incredible play.
A Maryland Miracle. I can’t believe this. 🤯🤯🤯 https://t.co/tqCOCHhv5u
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 27, 2024
With this one play, Washington’s postseason odds increased by 17% (and their chances of winning the NFC East improved by 18%). Meanwhile, Chicago’s postseason odds decreased by 17% (and their chances of winning the NFC North dipped by 2.5%).
Others pointed out that Daniels’ legend continues to grow. It’s hard to imagine Daniels getting off to a better start in his NFL career.
On the season, Daniels has thrown for 1,736 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions, while adding 424 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Perhaps most impressively, Daniels has led the Commanders to a 6-2 record, which nobody saw coming entering the campaign.
THE LEGEND GROWS!! pic.twitter.com/YLioyQprSN
— trey wingo (@wingoz) October 27, 2024
Everything is going right for Daniels and the Commanders as of late, as they have now won six of seven games.
Next week, they’ll travel to New York to face the Giants and try to continue their recent hot streak and build on this miraculous win.