In a remarkable display of skill and toughness, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to a thrilling 18-15 victory over the Chicago Bears with an impressive 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown run, securing a victory that seemed out of reach.
The Hail Mary that Defined the Match
On the final play, with the clock ticking down to zero, Daniels escaped in the pocket for nearly 13 seconds, evading Chicago's defensive pressure before throwing a deep pass from the Commanders' 35-yard line.
The pass was initially deflected just short of the goal line by tight end Zach Ertz, but miraculously landed in the hands of receiver Noah Brown, who was unmarked in the end zone to secure the game-winning catch.
Daniels did not see the catch, but felt the success as he heard the crowd's reaction and saw his teammates run onto the field in celebration. His participation in the game had been in doubt prior to kickoff due to a rib injury suffered the previous week, which had kept him out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
The last-minute heroics unfolded after a thrilling sequence of events. The Commanders were behind the Bears after a Roschon Johnson rushing touchdown gave Chicago the lead with just 25 seconds remaining.
However, the Commanders took advantage of their final opportunity, returning the kickoff to their own 24-yard line. Three quick completions set up the now iconic Hail Mary try, which not only won the game, but also elevated Daniels' season and cemented him as a major candidate for AP Rookie of the Year.
Daniels' Ability in the Field
His performance has become symbolic of his position as one of the league's most dynamic young players, bringing energy and excitement to the Commanders' lineup.
Teammates and coaches praised Daniels' efforts and leadership in the face of adversity. Noah Brown, who caught the game-winning touchdown, praised Daniels for his tenacity and skill, stating that he would not want to play with any other quarterback, noting Daniels' special talents and ability to inspire his teammates.
Offensive lineman Sam Cosmi described the experience as something out of a movie, calling it unforgettable and emphasizing how Daniels' play captured the spirit of the team's hard-fought battle. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. added his admiration, noting Daniels' fortitude in playing despite his rib injury and underscoring the team's confidence in his resilience and dedication.
The game also had particular significance, as it featured a rare matchup between rookie quarterbacks selected with the first two picks of the draft - Jayden Daniels for the Commanders and Caleb Williams for the Bears.
Daniels excelled in outgaining Williams, completing his performance with 326 yards per pass and an additional 52 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, Williams struggled, completing just 10 of his 24 passes for 131 yards and finishing the first half with just four completions out of his first 16 attempts.
Insufficient Offensive
The Bears offense also struggled, accumulating only 172 total yards in the fourth quarter and remaining scoreless until late in the third when D'Andre Swift finally broke the ice with a 56-yard rushing touchdown.
Reflecting on the game, Williams acknowledged his missed passes and emphasized the need for precision in his preparation, showing his intention to learn from the experience.
As a native of Washington, D.C., playing back home as a professional for the first time was meaningful for Williams, though he expressed disappointment in the outcome while finding encouragement in his team's resilience.
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Austin Seibert's Impact and Injury Report
Consistent contributions from kicker Austin Seibert proved vital in keeping the team within scoring range. Seibert scored the Commanders' only points before Hail Mary with four field goals, proving his consistency and reliability.
Since joining the team after a season-opening kicking problem, Seibert has become an invaluable asset, surpassing franchise records previously held by Mark Moseley for field goals made and points scored through Week 8, despite playing one less game than Moseley's 1982 record.
On the injury front, both teams faced challenges that impacted their lineups. For the Bears, left tackle Braxton Jones suffered a knee injury in the first half and did not return, while guards Teven Jenkins and Bill Murray left the game in the fourth quarter due to knee and chest injuries, respectively.
The Commanders also felt the pressure as left tackle Cornelius Lucas left the game in the third quarter due to an ankle injury, compounding the absence of rookie Brandon Coleman, who was inactive due to a concussion after sharing plays with Lucas earlier in the season.
The Chicago Bears are scheduled to visit the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday, while the Washington Commanders will travel to face the New York Giants, with both teams hoping to address their respective challenges and secure critical victories.
